Livestock: Folsom vs Sacramento
How do livestock rules compare between Folsom, CA and Sacramento, CA?
Folsom has fewer restrictions than Sacramento.
Folsom, CA
Sacramento County
In unincorporated Sacramento County, horses and large livestock are generally allowed on parcels over 20,000 sq ft, incidental to a residence, with Zoning Code stable standards. Pigs are tightly limited by zone β three in AR2 and one on AR1 through RD-7 parcels, all needing 20,000+ sq ft. Animals must be kept in healthy, sanitary, nuisance-free conditions.
View full Folsom rules βSacramento, CA
Sacramento County
Large livestock in Sacramento is limited to Agricultural Residential (A) zones requiring at least 1 acre; standard residential zones allow only small animals.
View full Sacramento rules βKey Facts Comparison
| Fact | Folsom | Sacramento |
|---|---|---|
| Horses Min Lot | Over 20,000 sq ft (most zones) | - |
| Horse Count | As many as kept healthy/sanitary/nuisance-free | - |
| Stable Standards | Zoning Code Table 5.10.B, Sec. 5.4.5.A | - |
| Pigs (AR2) | Maximum 3 | - |
| Pigs (AR1βRD-7) | Maximum 1 (20,000+ sq ft) | - |
| Use | Incidental to residential; no nuisance | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Folsom FAQ
Can I keep a horse in unincorporated Sacramento County?
Generally yes on a parcel over 20,000 square feet in most zones, as an incidental use of your residence. The County allows as many horses as you can maintain in healthy, sanitary, nuisance-free conditions, with stables meeting Zoning Code standards (Table 5.10.B in Section 5.4.5.A).
How many pigs can I have?
It depends on your zone: a maximum of three pigs in the AR2 zone, and a maximum of one pig on properties zoned AR1 through RD-7. In each case the parcel must be at least 20,000 square feet, and the use must remain incidental to your residence.
Do I need a permit to keep livestock?
Incidental keeping within the zoning limits generally does not require a special permit, but commercial operations or numbers beyond what your zone allows typically need agricultural zoning or a use permit. Confirm your parcel's rules with Planning at (916) 874-6221 or sacplan@saccounty.gov.
Sacramento FAQ
Compare other topics
See how Folsom and Sacramento compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool