Palo Alto prohibits most livestock including goats, pigs, horses, and cattle in residential zones, with limited exceptions in the A (Agricultural) zone in the foothills.
Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 18.42 prohibits the keeping of horses, cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, and similar livestock on standard residential lots. The only areas where livestock is permitted are the A (Agricultural) zone in the Palo Alto foothills and certain Open Space properties. Minimum lot size for horses is 40,000 square feet (about 1 acre), with one horse per 20,000 square feet of additional lot area. Potbellied pigs are not classified as livestock in Palo Alto but still require nuisance-free conditions. Miniature goats and sheep may be allowed with a conditional-use permit in specific transitional zones. On-site slaughter is prohibited citywide. Violations result in abatement orders and fines starting at 250 dollars per day.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how other cities in Santa Clara County handle livestock.
See how Palo Alto's livestock rules stack up against other locations.
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