San Diego, CA Animal Ordinances: Livestock (2026)

The County Zoning Ordinance Animal Regulations (Sections 3000-3130) govern livestock in the unincorporated area, replacing simple use rules with density and setback standards keyed to each parcel's Animal Designator letter. Under the Animal Schedule at Section 3100, 'Large Animal Raising (Other than horsekeeping)' is allowed in amounts that vary by designator and acreage, for example a designator permitting a 25-animal maximum, or '2 animals plus 1 per half acre over 1 acre,' with higher counts requiring more land or a permit. 'Horse keeping' and 'Horse Stable' uses are detailed in Section 3130: boarding and riding lessons for up to three horses not owned by the property owner are permitted, while larger operations need a Zoning Verification, Administrative Permit, or Major Use Permit depending on horse count and acreage. All animal enclosures must meet the Animal Enclosure Setback Table (Section 3112). Intensive cattle operations are separately controlled: under Section 3120, a 'feed lot for cattle,' defined as a confined facility feeding high-concentrate feed to 300 or more cattle at more than thirty animals per acre, is permitted only on parcels of four acres or larger in 'O' or 'W' designators, and only with an approved Major Use Permit and Regional Water Quality Control Board approval. On 'S' and 'T' designators, grazing of horses, bovines and sheep is allowed at no more than one animal per half acre, provided no buildings or pens are used for housing or concentrated feeding (Section 3100, Note 2). The number of animals allowed is calculated per legal lot (Note 6).