Livestock: Mountain View vs Palo Alto
How do livestock rules compare between Mountain View, CA and Palo Alto, CA?
Mountain View and Palo Alto have similar restriction levels.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Traditional livestock such as cattle, horses, goats, and pigs are generally prohibited on Mountain View residential lots, with limited exceptions for large agricultural-zoned parcels.
View full Mountain View rules →Palo Alto, CA
Santa Clara County
Palo Alto prohibits most livestock including goats, pigs, horses, and cattle in residential zones, with limited exceptions in the A (Agricultural) zone in the foothills.
View full Palo Alto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Palo Alto |
|---|---|---|
| Horses | Prohibited | - |
| Cattle | Prohibited | - |
| Goats | Generally prohibited | - |
| Pigs | Prohibited except potbellied | - |
| Ag zoning in city | None | - |
| Livestock zone | - | A (Agricultural) |
| Minimum lot for horse | - | 40,000 sq ft |
| Pigs and goats in R-1 | - | Prohibited |
| On-site slaughter | - | Prohibited |
| Daily fine | - | 250 dollars |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Can I keep a miniature goat as a pet?
Mountain View generally does not permit goats even as miniature pets on residential lots; potbellied pigs may qualify with SVACA review.
What if the prior owner had horses?
Legal nonconforming uses may continue but cannot be expanded; confirm with Planning Division before assuming rights.
Palo Alto FAQ
Can I keep a pygmy goat as a pet?
Only with a conditional-use permit; standard residential lots cannot have goats of any size.
Is there boarding available in Palo Alto?
Horse boarding exists in the foothills A zone and at Stanford-area facilities.
Compare other topics
See how Mountain View and Palo Alto compare on other ordinance categories.
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