Placer County, CA Animal Ordinances: Livestock (2026)

Placer County zoning Section 17.56.050 governs the raising and keeping of livestock, with density ratios that vary by zone district and require minimum parcel sizes. For cattle, the maximum is two animals per gross acre in the -AG (Agriculture Combining) zone and one per gross acre in the RF (Residential Forest) zone, with a one-acre minimum in both. Horses (including donkeys and mules) follow the same ratios: two per gross acre in -AG and one per gross acre in RF, one-acre minimum. Goats and sheep (and similar-size animals including miniature horses, ponies, and donkeys) are limited to six per gross acre in -AG (half-acre minimum) and six per gross acre in RF (one-acre minimum); unaltered male goats require an Administrative Review Permit in the -AG zone. Hogs and swine: up to 19 of breeding age are permitted where allowed, except in -AG and RF zones where the limit is one per gross acre (one-acre minimum); keeping more than 19 breeding hogs constitutes a 'hog ranch' requiring a land-use permit. Llamas and alpacas are limited to six per gross acre in -AG and ten per gross acre in RF (one-acre minimum). All enclosures must be kept free of excessive manure to control odor and vectors, and animal keeping may not cause soil erosion or sedimentation onto roads or adjoining property. School, 4-H, and FFA husbandry projects may be authorized by the Planning Director in zones that otherwise prohibit such animals.