Pima County zoning permits horses, cattle, goats, sheep, and other livestock on rural parcels (GR-1 and larger). No animal-unit limit on parcels 4.13 acres or more in the GR-1 zone. Smaller rural-residential parcels in CR-3 and CR-5 zones allow limited large animals with setback requirements.
Pima County Zoning Code rural zones (GR-1 at 1-acre minimum, SH, and larger parcels) are designed to accommodate livestock and ranching. There is no maximum animal-unit cap on parcels 4.13 acres or larger, consistent with traditional Arizona open-range heritage. Parcels in CR-3 (36,000 sq ft) may keep 1-2 large animals (horses, cattle) with a 40-foot setback from neighboring dwellings. CR-5 (half-acre) parcels allow additional animals proportional to lot size. Corrals, stables, and livestock shelters must comply with building setback requirements. Manure management is expected to prevent odor nuisance complaints under Chapter 9.30. Pima County does not require livestock permits for standard agricultural zones. Arizona is an open-range state (ARS 3-1401 through 3-1484); livestock owners in unincorporated areas benefit from open-range protections unless a specific area has been designated as a no-fence district. Brand registration through the Arizona Department of Agriculture is required for cattle and horses.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how Pima County's livestock rules stack up against other locations.
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