Livestock: San Mateo vs South San Francisco
How do livestock rules compare between San Mateo, CA and South San Francisco, CA?
San Mateo and South San Francisco have similar restriction levels.
San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
Keeping livestock in unincorporated San Mateo County depends on the parcel's zoning district. Animal control under Title 6 covers dogs, cats, exotic animals, and poultry, while livestock such as horses, cattle, sheep, and goats is governed by the County zoning/Development Code, which permits agricultural animals on appropriately zoned and sized rural and agricultural parcels.
View full San Mateo rules →South San Francisco, CA
San Mateo County
Keeping livestock in unincorporated San Mateo County depends on the parcel's zoning district. Animal control under Title 6 covers dogs, cats, exotic animals, and poultry, while livestock such as horses, cattle, sheep, and goats is governed by the County zoning/Development Code, which permits agricultural animals on appropriately zoned and sized rural and agricultural parcels.
View full South San Francisco rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Mateo | South San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Governed by | County zoning / Title 8 Development Code (not Title 6 generally) | County zoning / Title 8 Development Code (not Title 6 generally) |
| Allowed where | Agricultural and rural residential districts, by lot size and setbacks | Agricultural and rural residential districts, by lot size and setbacks |
| Residential parcels | Generally limited to pets plus backyard poultry (6 or 10 birds) | Generally limited to pets plus backyard poultry (6 or 10 birds) |
| Verify with | County Planning and Building Department | County Planning and Building Department |
| Title 6 scope | Animal control, exotic animals, breeding, fancier permits, kennels/catteries | Animal control, exotic animals, breeding, fancier permits, kennels/catteries |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Mateo FAQ
Can I keep a horse or goats in unincorporated San Mateo County?
It depends on your parcel's zoning district and size. Livestock such as horses, cattle, sheep, and goats is governed by the County zoning/Development Code and is generally allowed in agricultural and rural residential districts subject to lot-size and setback rules. Confirm your zoning with the Planning and Building Department first.
Does Title 6 of the County Code set livestock limits?
Title 6 (Animals) covers animal control, exotic animals, breeding, animal fancier permits, and kennels/catteries, plus the separate poultry rules. It does not set a general residential allowance for horses or farm livestock; those are determined by the zoning/Development Code based on district and lot size.
South San Francisco FAQ
Can I keep a horse or goats in unincorporated San Mateo County?
It depends on your parcel's zoning district and size. Livestock such as horses, cattle, sheep, and goats is governed by the County zoning/Development Code and is generally allowed in agricultural and rural residential districts subject to lot-size and setback rules. Confirm your zoning with the Planning and Building Department first.
Does Title 6 of the County Code set livestock limits?
Title 6 (Animals) covers animal control, exotic animals, breeding, animal fancier permits, and kennels/catteries, plus the separate poultry rules. It does not set a general residential allowance for horses or farm livestock; those are determined by the zoning/Development Code based on district and lot size.
Compare other topics
See how San Mateo and South San Francisco 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