Waltham is a dense suburban city with very limited agricultural zoning, so traditional livestock like cattle, horses, and pigs are essentially prohibited.
Waltham zoning generally restricts livestock to agriculturally zoned parcels, of which very few remain in this 13-square-mile city. Horses, cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats require minimum lot sizes of 2 acres or more and appropriate zoning. Historic Gore Place estate keeps some heritage livestock for educational programs under an exemption. Backyard hens are the primary exception, allowed in most residential zones. Massachusetts Right to Farm protections under MGL c.40A s.3 apply to commercial farms but do not override zoning for new livestock operations. The Health Department enforces manure management and vector control standards.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle livestock.
See how Waltham's livestock rules stack up against other locations.
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