Animal Ordinances in Harford County, MD (2026)
6 rules for unincorporated Harford County, Maryland.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Homestead chickens are allowed on unincorporated Harford County lots under § 267-27D(13) of the zoning code, but only hens: roosters are excluded entirely. A lot needs at least 1 acre to keep any, coops and runs must sit 50 feet from adjacent residential lot lines, and lots under 2 acres are capped at 10 chickens.
Harford County Backyard Chicken Rules
Some RestrictionsHarford County Code § 267-27D(13)
Homestead chickens, excluding roosters, shall be permitted in accordance with the following criteria: ... Lot requirements: ... A minimum of 1 acre is required for the keeping of homestead chickens. ... A 50 foot setback from adjacent residential lot lines is required for any coop, run, pen, and free-range area. ... An issued zoning certificate shall be required prior to the installation of any...
Cat Rules
Harford County requires anyone who keeps a cat outside or in an unheated enclosure to provide a moisture-proof shelter, insulating bedding, and daily food and water under Section 64-24. The Sheriff's Office enforces this Animal Care chapter alongside the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits.
Harford County Outdoor Cat Shelter Rules
Some RestrictionsHarford County Code § 64-24
A. Any dog or cat which is kept outside or in an unheated enclosure shall be provided with: (1) A moisture-proof structure, made of durable building material with no metal interior surface, which shall be suitable in size to accommodate the dog or cat and to allow for the retention of body heat, shall include a solid floor raised at least 4 inches off the ground, shall have an entrance covered ...
Pet Store Rules
Harford County does not ban retail sale of dogs or cats; instead Chapter 64, Article V requires any pet shop to hold a license and follow detailed animal-care standards on caging, feeding and sanitation. Violating those standards is grounds to deny or revoke the license.
Harford County Pet Shop License Rules
Some RestrictionsHarford County Code §§ 64-26, 64-27
§ 64-26. Licenses and fees. No person shall operate a pet shop without possessing a valid pet shop license. The annual license fee for a pet shop shall be as established by Chapter 157, § 157-24, of the Harford County Code, as amended. § 64-27. Pet shop standards. All pet shops, including pet shops run in conjunction with any other business, shall, in addition to any other requirement of law, c...
Pet Groomer Rules
In unincorporated Harford County, pet grooming is a special exception use allowed only in the AG (Agricultural) District, and the Board of Appeals must approve it under Code § 267-88H(6). The activity must happen entirely inside a completely enclosed building, and no animals may stay overnight except ones the proprietor personally owns. Operators also need a domestic pet grooming license from DILP.
Harford County Pet Grooming Zoning Rules
Significant RestrictionsHarford County Code § 267-88H(6)
The special exceptions enumerated herein, in addition to other conditions as may be imposed by the Board, shall comply with the following requirements: ... H. Services. ... (6) Pet grooming. This use may be granted in the AG District, provided that: (a) The activity takes place inside a completely enclosed building. (b) No animals may be kept overnight, except those owned by the proprietor.
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
In unincorporated Harford County, veterinary clinics, hospitals, and large-animal veterinary practices are allowed as a special exception in the AG (Agricultural) District only, under Code § 267-88H(10). The Board of Appeals can approve the use only on a parcel of at least 3 acres with direct arterial or collector road access, a Type A buffer by residential lots, and outdoor holding areas set back 200 feet.
Harford County Veterinary Clinic Zoning Rules
Significant RestrictionsHarford County Code § 267-88H(10)
(10) Veterinary clinics or hospitals or veterinary practice, large animals. These uses may be granted in the AG District, provided that: (a) A minimum parcel area of 3 acres is required. (b) The use shall be located with direct access to an arterial or collector road. (c) A Type "A" buffer, pursuant to § 267-30 (Buffer yards), shall be provided between the parking area and any adjacent resident...
Bird Protection
In unincorporated Harford County, colonial nesting water bird sites are protected habitat under the Critical Area zoning code. The Department of Planning and Zoning must require a protective buffer around these nesting colonies before approving development activity nearby.
Harford County Colonial Water Bird Protection
Some RestrictionsHarford County Code § 267-63.9F(6)
Buffer areas for nesting sites of colonial nesting water birds shall be established so that these sites are protected from the adverse impacts of development activities and from disturbance during the breeding season.
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