Livestock keeping is broadly permitted in unincorporated Sutter County, especially in Agricultural and Rural Residential zones. Density, setbacks, and structures are regulated under the Zoning Code (Title 1500), with Article 19 governing agricultural buildings.
Sutter County is a major agricultural producer (rice, walnuts, peaches, prunes) and the Zoning Code reflects this character. Cattle, horses, sheep, goats, swine, and similar livestock are permitted as a matter of right in AG zones at densities tied to parcel size. Rural Residential zones allow limited livestock subject to lot-size and setback rules. Article 19 of the Zoning Code governs agricultural buildings (barns, loafing sheds, hay storage). Right-to-farm provisions protect established agricultural operations from nuisance complaints by adjacent residential newcomers. Within incorporated city limits (Yuba City, Live Oak) livestock rules are far more restrictive.
Code Enforcement handles unpermitted structures, livestock outside permitted zones, and density violations through administrative citations and use-permit revocation.
Sutter County, CA
A dog in Sutter County is a nuisance animal if it barks or howls so continuously or incessantly as to unreasonably disturb the peace and tranquility of the n...
Sutter County, CA
Unincorporated Sutter County does not publish numeric quiet-hour decibel windows in its general code. Loud or disturbing noise is regulated as a public nuisa...
Sutter County, CA
Sutter County regulates RV, boat, and trailer storage on residential lots through the County Zoning Code (Title 1500 of the County Code, adopted 2021 and upd...
Sutter County, CA
Outdoor burning in unincorporated Sutter County requires a permit from the Feather River Air Quality Management District (FRAQMD) and is only allowed on perm...
Sutter County, CA
Sutter County adopted a dangerous-fireworks ordinance in 2019 with a zero-tolerance policy. Use or possession of illegal (non-Safe-and-Sane) fireworks carrie...
Sutter County, CA
Recreational fires in unincorporated Sutter County are regulated through Feather River Air Quality Management District (FRAQMD) open-burning rules and the Ca...
See how Sutter's livestock rules stack up against other locations.
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