Animal Ordinances in Washington County, MD (2026)
2 rules for unincorporated Washington County, Maryland.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Washington County's zoning ordinance lets a homeowner keep up to two domestic animals as pets in an accessory 'Private Stable,' but the structure has to sit at least 100 feet from any neighboring dwelling, school or church, per Section 4.13.
Backyard Livestock Rules in Washington County, MD
Some RestrictionsWashington County Zoning Ordinance, Article 28A ('Stable, Private'); § 4.13
Stable, Private: An accessory structure designed for the shelter, feeding, and care of no more than two domestic animals, maintained on the property as pets or for domestic use as distinguished from agricultural or livery stables. Such use shall be subject to compliance with Section 4.13 of this Ordinance.
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
Washington County's Zoning Ordinance allows animal hospitals, veterinary clinics, and kennels without outside runways as a principal permitted use in the BG Business, General District. Add an outside runway or exercise area, and the use drops to a special exception requiring a 100-foot setback from any dwelling, place of worship, school, or care institution.
Vet Clinics in Washington County, MD Zoning
Some RestrictionsWashington County, MD Zoning Ordinance, Article 12, Section 12.2(d)
Animal hospitals, veterinary clinics, or kennels with outside runways or exercise areas which shall be 100 feet from any dwelling, place of worship, school or institution for human care not located on the same lot and subject to additional requirements of Section 12.5.
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