Baltimore County Code defines livestock as cattle, sheep, swine, goats, or horses. Keeping livestock is governed by the Zoning Regulations (stabling/pasturing under BCZR §100.6) and lot size; the animal code requires that stables and outbuildings be kept free of offensive filth and stench.
The County Code (12-1-101) defines 'livestock' as domestic animals generally raised on a farm or ranch - cattle, sheep, swine, goats, or horses - and excludes Asian pot-bellied pigs. Where and how much livestock you can keep is a zoning question: Baltimore County Zoning Regulations §100.6 governs land used for stabling and pasturing of animals, typically requiring acreage. Section 12-3-102 requires anyone keeping animals in a stable or outbuilding to keep it clean enough that filth and stench are not offensive to neighbors. Backyard hens under one acre are handled separately (Subtitle 4); roosters are barred under one acre. Article 12 states it may not supersede the Zoning Regulations (12-1-106).
Continuing an offensive stable/outbuilding after Health Officer notice is a misdemeanor (12-3-102). Zoning violations are enforced by Permits, Approvals and Inspections with separate penalties.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
baltimore-county-md
Home backyard composting is allowed in Baltimore County and supported through the Bureau of Solid Waste Management. The county collects yard trim (leaves, gr...
baltimore-county-md
Baltimore County has no ordinance banning residential artificial turf. Installation is governed by general zoning, lot-coverage, and stormwater rules, since ...
baltimore-county-md
Native and pollinator plantings are permitted in Baltimore County and encouraged for Bay-friendly landscaping, but tall native beds must still respect the 8-...
baltimore-county-md
Rain barrels and rainwater harvesting are legal in Baltimore County and encouraged as stormwater best-management practices. Maryland has no statute banning r...
baltimore-county-md
Maryland has no year-round mandatory watering ban; restrictions follow drought conditions set by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). As of 2026...
baltimore-county-md
Baltimore County's weed ordinance (Code 13-7-401) bars grass, weeds, or other rank vegetation over 8 inches tall. Noxious weeds are separately regulated stat...
See how Baltimore County's livestock rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.