Livestock: Berkeley vs San Leandro
How do livestock rules compare between Berkeley, CA and San Leandro, CA?
Berkeley and San Leandro have similar restriction levels.
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 →San Leandro, CA
Alameda County
San Leandro's Zoning Code (SLMC Article 4) prohibits livestock in all residential zones (RS, RM) including horses, cattle, sheep, and goats. Backyard chickens and bees are allowed with limits — see the dedicated 'chickens-livestock' and 'beekeeping' subcategories. Swine are prohibited city-wide.
View full San Leandro rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | San Leandro |
|---|---|---|
| Large livestock | Prohibited | - |
| Allowed small | Hens, rabbits | - |
| Miniature goats | Case by case | - |
| Commercial ops | Use Permit required | - |
| Slaughter | Prohibited residentially | - |
| Code Section | - | SLMC Title 1 Article 4 (Residential Zones) |
| Horses/Cattle/Sheep/Goats | - | Prohibited in all R zones |
| Swine | - | Prohibited city-wide |
| Chickens | - | See chickens-livestock subcategory |
| Agricultural Zone | - | None in city |
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.
San Leandro FAQ
Can I keep a goat in my San Leandro backyard?
No. San Leandro has no agricultural zone; goats, sheep, horses, and other large livestock are prohibited in all residential zones under SLMC Article 4, even as pets. Backyard chickens and bees are allowed under separate sections.
Are pot-bellied pigs allowed in San Leandro?
No. SLMC Title 4 prohibits swine of any size or breed city-wide as a public-health nuisance, including miniature and pot-bellied pigs kept as pets.
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