Livestock: Fairfax vs Vienna
How do livestock rules compare between Fairfax, VA and Vienna, VA?
Fairfax and Vienna have similar restriction levels.
Fairfax, VA
Fairfax County
Livestock such as cattle, goats, sheep, swine, and horses are generally prohibited in residential zones of the City of Fairfax. The zoning ordinance treats livestock as an agricultural use requiring a rural or agricultural district, and none of the city standard residential zones meet that test.
View full Fairfax rules →Vienna, VA
Fairfax County
Livestock (cattle, horses, goats, sheep, pigs) in Fairfax County require at least 2 acres of land, with additional acreage required per animal. Pigs face especially strict rules. Most of the county's R-1 through R-20 residential zones prohibit livestock entirely.
View full Vienna rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fairfax | Vienna |
|---|---|---|
| Livestock in residential | Prohibited | - |
| Pot-bellied pigs | Not allowed | - |
| Mini goats | Special use permit only, rare | - |
| Horse acreage | 2 acres per horse typical | - |
| Common alternative | Board in Fairfax County | - |
| Minimum lot for livestock | - | 2 acres |
| Horse ratio | - | 2 acres first, +1 acre each additional |
| Pig setback | - | 200+ feet from neighbor dwelling |
| Potbellied pigs | - | Classified as livestock |
| Most of county | - | R-1 to R-20 prohibits livestock |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fairfax FAQ
Can I keep a pet goat?
Generally no. The city treats goats as livestock and there is no agricultural district.
Is a pot-bellied pig a pet or livestock?
The city treats it as livestock, so it is not allowed in residential zones.
Where is the nearest area that allows horses?
Unincorporated Fairfax County and Loudoun County have rural and agricultural districts.
Vienna FAQ
Can I keep a potbellied pig as a pet?
Generally no in most of Fairfax County. Potbellied pigs are classified as livestock under zoning regardless of pet intent, requiring 2+ acres in appropriate zones.
Where in Fairfax County can I board horses?
In R-A, R-E, and some R-C zoning districts, plus working farms primarily in Clifton, Great Falls, and the western/southern county. Minimum 2 acres required.
Can I keep goats for brush control?
Only on lots meeting the 2-acre livestock minimum in appropriate zones. Commercial goat-rental services for brush clearing are a separate business-license matter.
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