43.3 ANIMAL KEEPING

43.3.1 Purpose. The purpose of these provisions is to regulate the density of animals and the setbacks of animal enclosures in residential zones (RS, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4) in order to maintain the quality of the urban and rural environments and to prevent public and private nuisances. (From Section CZ#A314-3(A); Added by Ord. 2214, 6/6/ 00)

The Humboldt County Code is current through Ordinance 2784, passed March 10, 2026.

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Title III Land Use and Development | Humboldt County Code

43.3.2 Domestic Animals in Residential Zones. Adult domestic animals may be kept as an accessory use in any residential zone (RS, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4) where the minimum lot size, animal density and animal enclosure setback requirements of this section are satisfied. (Former Section INL#316-4(a); CZ#A314-3(C); Ord. 556, Sec. 2, 3/22/66; Amended by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00)

43.3.3 Use Permit May Be Required. Keeping animals not listed in the following tables requires a Use Permit. (Former Section INL#316-4(a)(4))

43.3.4 Animal Density. Animal keeping in RS, R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4 Zones shall be limited according to the Animal Density Table. The Animal Density Table is incorporated into this section, and all references to this section shall include references to it. (Former Section INL#316-4(a)(1-4); INL#316-4(f); CZ#A314-3(E); Ord. 528, Sec. 1, 10/5/65; Ord. 556, Sec. 2, 3/22/66; Amended by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00)

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ANIMAL DENSITY TABLE
ANIMAL TYPE MINIMUM LOT SIZE MAXIMUM ANIMAL DENSITY
Large domestic bovine and One (1) acre Two (2) animals plus one (1)
equine animals animal for each additional twenty
thousand (20,000) square feet of
lot area
Medium sized domestic animals, 10,000 square feet Two (2) animals plus one (1)
such as sheep, pigs, and goats animal for each additional three
thousand (3,000) square feet of
lot area
Small domestic animals such as 5,000 square feet Ten (10) animals plus one (1)
rabbits and poultry(c) animal for each additional five
hundred (500) square feet of lot
area
Household pets limited to dogs No minimum RS - limit eight (8) animals
and cats(d) R-1, R-2 - limit four (4) animals
R-3, R-4 - limit two (2) animals
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a No animal other than those listed in this section may be kept without first securing a Special Permit.

b Permitted animal densities may be increased through substitution by young animals in accordance with the schedule set forth herein.

c No crowing rooster may be kept in any RS, R-1, R-2, R-3, or R-4 Zone.

d No limitations shall be placed upon household pets whose normal place of abode is within the dwelling units, such as caged birds, caged rodents, fish, reptiles and amphibia confined to aquaria and terraria.

The Humboldt County Code is current through Ordinance 2784, passed March 10, 2026.

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Title III Land Use and Development | Humboldt County Code

43.3.5 Young Domestic Animals Substitution Schedule. The maximum animal densities permitted under subsection 314-43.3.4, Animal Density, may be modified by substituting young animals according to the following schedule: (Former Section INL#316-4(c); CZ#A314-3(F); Amended by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00)

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YOUNG ANIMAL SUBSTITUTION SCHEDULE
ANIMAL TYPE PERMITTED SUBSTITUTION
Large domestic animals including cows and For each one (1) adult animal three (3) young animals
horses less than six (6) months old may be substituted.
Medium-sized domestic animals including For each one (1) adult animal three (3) young animals
sheep, pigs, and goats less than six (6) months old may be substituted.
Small domestic animals including rabbits and For each one (1) adult animal three (3) young animals
poultry. less than three (3) months old may be substituted.
Household pets. Not applicable; No limit on dogs or cats less than four
(4) months old.
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43.3.6 Animal Enclosure Setback Table. In addition to conforming with all applicable yard requirements, enclosures for animals in residential zones (RS, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4) shall have the minimum setbacks specified in the Animal Enclosure Table. (Former Section INL#316-4(b); CZ#A314-3(G); Amended by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00)

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ANIMAL ENCLOSURE SETBACKS TABLE
ANIMAL ENCLOSURE LARGE DOMESTIC MEDIUM DOMESTIC SMALL DOMESTIC
LOCATION ANIMALS ANIMALS ANIMALS
Distance from Dwelling 50 feet 50 feet 25 feet
Distance from Front Lot Line 50 feet 50 feet 50 feet
Distance from Side Lot Line 20 feet 20 feet 10 feet
Distance from Rear Lot Line 20 feet 20 feet 10 feet
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Notes:

a Animal enclosures includes shelters, pens, coops, runs, hutches, stables, barns, corrals, and similar structures used for the keeping of poultry or animals.

b Poultry setbacks same as Medium Domestic Animals

c No crowing rooster may be maintained in any residential zone (RS, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4)

The Humboldt County Code is current through Ordinance 2784, passed March 10, 2026.

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Title III Land Use and Development | Humboldt County Code

43.3.7 General Health Regulations. Animal keepers must maintain all shelters, coops, cages, runs, corrals and yards in a clean and sanitary condition. Certification by the Health Officer or Representative shall be prima facie evidence that the premises are in an unsanitary condition. (Former Section INL#316-4(d))

43.3.8 Killing or dressing large or medium domestic animals on residential premises is prohibited. (Former Section INL#316-4(e))

43.3.9 Nothing in this section shall limit the right of any agricultural use to keep animals as a principal or accessory use. (Former Section INL#316-4(g))

43.3.10 Keeping animals in a manner that does not conform to this Code is a public nuisance. (Former Section INL#316-4(h); Ord. 528, Sec. 1, 10/5/65)

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