Livestock: Herndon vs Vienna
How do livestock rules compare between Herndon, VA and Vienna, VA?
Herndon and Vienna have similar restriction levels.
Herndon, 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 Herndon 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 | Herndon | Vienna |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum lot for livestock | 2 acres | 2 acres |
| Horse ratio | 2 acres first, +1 acre each additional | 2 acres first, +1 acre each additional |
| Pig setback | 200+ feet from neighbor dwelling | 200+ feet from neighbor dwelling |
| Potbellied pigs | Classified as livestock | Classified as livestock |
| Most of county | R-1 to R-20 prohibits livestock | R-1 to R-20 prohibits livestock |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Herndon 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.
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.
Compare other topics
See how Herndon and Vienna 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