San Mateo, CA Animal Ordinances: Livestock (2026)

Livestock keeping in unincorporated San Mateo County is regulated primarily through zoning rather than the Title 6 animal-control chapters. Title 6 (Animals) of the County Ordinance Code addresses animal control (Chapter 6.04), exotic animals (Chapter 6.08), spaying/neutering and breeding (Chapter 6.12), animal fanciers permits (Chapter 6.16), and kennels and catteries (Chapter 6.20); it does not set a general residential allowance for horses or farm livestock. Instead, whether you may keep horses, cattle, sheep, goats, or similar animals depends on your parcel's zoning district and size under the County zoning regulations, now consolidated into the Title 8 Development Code adopted by the Board of Supervisors and effective in late 2024. Agricultural and rural residential districts generally allow farm animals subject to lot-size and setback standards, while standard residential districts are limited to household pets and the separately regulated backyard poultry allowance (up to 6 or 10 chickens or ducks by lot size). Because the specific livestock densities, setbacks, and permitted districts are set in the zoning/Development Code rather than in a single published County animal section, anyone planning to keep horses or farm animals should verify their parcel's zoning designation, minimum lot size, and any required permits directly with the County Planning and Building Department before acquiring animals.