Livestock: Berkeley vs Castro Valley
How do livestock rules compare between Berkeley, CA and Castro Valley, CA?
Castro Valley has fewer restrictions than Berkeley.
Berkeley, CA
Alameda County
Berkeley prohibits large livestock such as cows, horses, pigs, and sheep on residential lots, allowing only small urban agriculture animals like hens, rabbits, and miniature goats case by case.
View full Berkeley rules →Castro Valley, CA
Alameda County
Cattle, horses, goats, sheep, and swine are permitted on Alameda County Agricultural (A) and Rural Agricultural (RA) zoned parcels with minimum acreage requirements. Livestock are generally prohibited on R-1 lots.
View full Castro Valley rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | Castro Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Large livestock | Prohibited | - |
| Allowed small | Hens, rabbits | - |
| Miniature goats | Case by case | - |
| Commercial ops | Use Permit required | - |
| Slaughter | Prohibited residentially | - |
| Required zoning | - | A, AR, or RA |
| Horse minimum | - | 20,000 sf + 10,000 |
| Swine setback | - | 100 ft from dwelling |
| Right to Farm | - | Civil Code 3482.5 |
| Feedlot | - | Extra permits |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Berkeley FAQ
Can I keep a pony on a large Berkeley Hills lot?
No. Equines are not allowed on residential parcels regardless of lot size within city limits.
Are potbelly pigs considered livestock?
Potbelly pigs are sometimes permitted as pets with a Zoning Administrator determination, but traditional swine are prohibited.
Castro Valley FAQ
Can I keep a single pet goat in my R-1 backyard?
Generally no. Goats require agricultural zoning. Some miniature goat exceptions exist under conditional use permits with neighbor consent.
Does Right to Farm block all complaints?
No. It protects compliant farms that existed before the complainant moved in. Violations of law or new operations are not protected.
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