Livestock: San Diego vs San Marcos
How do livestock rules compare between San Diego, CA and San Marcos, CA?
San Diego and San Marcos have similar restriction levels.
San Diego, CA
San Diego County
Livestock such as cattle, horses, sheep and goats in unincorporated San Diego County is regulated by the Zoning Ordinance Animal Regulations, which set the number of animals by each parcel's Animal Designator and lot size. Horse keeping, large-animal raising and cattle feed lots have their own density and permit rules.
View full San Diego rules →San Marcos, CA
San Diego County
San Marcos permits livestock including horses, goats, sheep, and cattle on properties with appropriate agricultural or estate residential zoning and sufficient acreage. Animal density limits apply based on lot size. All livestock enclosures must meet setback requirements from neighboring residences and public rights-of-way. Manure management and fly control are required.
View full San Marcos rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Diego | San Marcos |
|---|---|---|
| Governing rules | County Zoning Ordinance Animal Regulations, Sec. 3000-3130 | - |
| Number of animals | Set by parcel Animal Designator and lot size; per legal lot (Sec. 3100) | - |
| Horse stable (small) | Boarding/lessons for up to 3 outside horses permitted (Sec. 3130) | - |
| Cattle feed lot | 300+ cattle, >30/acre: Major Use Permit + Water Board approval (Sec. 3120) | - |
| Grazing on S/T designators | No more than 1 animal per half acre (Sec. 3100, Note 2) | - |
| Enclosure setbacks | Animal Enclosure Setback Table, Sec. 3112 | - |
| Large Animal Density | - | Typically 1 per half-acre |
| Shelter Setback | - | 50 ft from neighboring dwellings for large animals |
| Feed Storage | - | Rodent-proof containers required |
| Code Enforcement | - | (760) 744-1050 x3234 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Diego FAQ
How many livestock animals can I keep on my unincorporated San Diego County property?
It depends on your parcel's Animal Designator and acreage under the Zoning Ordinance Animal Schedule (Section 3100). Limits range from small fixed numbers to formulas like '2 animals plus 1 per half acre over 1 acre,' with larger counts needing more land or a permit. The count is calculated per legal lot.
Do I need a permit for a cattle feed lot?
Yes. Under Section 3120, a feed lot, defined as a confined facility feeding high-concentrate feed to 300 or more cattle at more than thirty animals per acre, is allowed only on parcels of four acres or larger with an 'O' or 'W' designator, and requires both a Major Use Permit and Regional Water Quality Control Board approval.
San Marcos FAQ
Can I keep horses on my property in San Marcos?
Yes, if your property has appropriate rural or estate residential zoning and meets minimum lot size requirements. Density limits typically allow one horse per half-acre of usable land.
What are the setback requirements for livestock shelters?
Large animal shelters like horse stables typically require a 50-foot setback from neighboring residences. Smaller animal enclosures generally require at least 20 feet. Check your specific zoning requirements with the Planning Division.
What do I do about a neighbor's smelly livestock operation?
Contact San Marcos Code Enforcement at (760) 744-1050 x3234 to file a nuisance complaint. Livestock owners are required to manage manure and control flies to prevent odor impacts on neighbors.
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