Livestock: Gaithersburg vs Rockville
How do livestock rules compare between Gaithersburg, MD and Rockville, MD?
Rockville has fewer restrictions than Gaithersburg.
Gaithersburg, MD
Montgomery County
Livestock including goats, sheep, horses, cattle, and pigs are generally prohibited on standard residential lots in Gaithersburg. Montgomery County Zoning Ordinance Chapter 59 restricts livestock keeping to agricultural (AR) and rural residential zones with minimum lot sizes that far exceed typical Gaithersburg residential parcels. Most of Gaithersburg is zoned R-60, R-90, R-200, or townhouse/multifamily, none of which permit traditional livestock. Miniature goats and pygmy goats have been discussed in county zoning text amendments, but no broadly applicable residential exception currently exists for Gaithersburg's zoning categories. Chickens are regulated separately under the county's poultry provisions with specific conditions on numbers, setbacks, and rooster prohibition. Rabbits kept as household pets in small numbers are generally permitted, but breeding operations or large colonies would require agricultural zoning. Any animal kept on residential property must comply with nuisance, odor, and sanitation standards. Montgomery County Animal Services enforces livestock restrictions and responds to complaints about prohibited animals on residential properties.
View full Gaithersburg rules →Rockville, MD
Montgomery County
Rockville allows residents of single-family homes to keep up to five female chickens for personal use with a $25 permit, but roosters are prohibited. Larger livestock such as cattle, horses, pigs, goats, and sheep are generally not permitted in residential zoning districts under Rockville's Chapter 25 Zoning Ordinance.
View full Rockville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Gaithersburg | Rockville |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Zones | Livestock generally prohibited | - |
| Agricultural Zone | 25-acre minimum for livestock | - |
| Zoning Code | Montgomery County Chapter 59 | - |
| Chickens | Separate poultry regulations (up to 6 hens) | - |
| Enforcement | Montgomery County Animal Services | - |
| Hens Allowed | - | Up to 5 female chickens |
| Permit Fee | - | $25 |
| Roosters | - | Prohibited |
| Eligible Properties | - | Single-family homes only |
| State Registration | - | Maryland Poultry Registration required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Gaithersburg FAQ
Can I keep goats in Gaithersburg?
Standard residential lots in Gaithersburg do not permit goats of any size. Livestock is restricted to Agricultural Reserve and rural zones under Montgomery County Zoning Chapter 59, which require lot sizes far exceeding typical Gaithersburg residential parcels. Contact Gaithersburg Planning and Zoning at 301-258-6330 to verify your specific zone.
Are backyard rabbits allowed?
Pet rabbits kept in small numbers (2 to 4) as household pets are generally permitted under the household pet provisions of the zoning code. Breeding rabbits commercially or maintaining a large colony would likely be classified as an agricultural activity requiring appropriate zoning.
Rockville FAQ
Can I keep chickens in Rockville?
Yes, residents of single-family homes may keep up to five female chickens with a $25 city permit. Roosters are prohibited. Chickens are not allowed in townhouses or multi-family properties. You must also register with the State of Maryland.
Can I keep goats, pigs, or other livestock in Rockville?
No. Larger livestock such as goats, pigs, cattle, horses, and sheep are generally prohibited in Rockville's residential zoning districts. These animals are restricted to agricultural zones, which are not found within the city limits.
How do I get a chicken permit in Rockville?
Submit a permit application with a $25 fee (check or money order payable to the City of Rockville) and complete the Maryland Poultry Registration Form. Contact the city's Inspection Services Division for the application.
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