Can You Have Backyard Goats or Sheep in Ohio?

In Ohio, whether or not you can keep goats or sheep in your backyard depends on the size of your property and the zoning district in which you're located. The raising and keeping of goats and sheep are generally permitted in rural or agricultural zones. However, keeping such animals in residential zones is strictly regulated. Learning about your municipality's animal-keeping regulations is the first step toward keeping goats or sheep in your backyard. If your property is zoned as "residential," contact your local zoning office or animal control before acquiring any goats or sheep. In most Ohio cities, a permit is required for the raising and keeping of goats and sheep. The following Ohio municipalities, for example, permit residents to have backyard goats and sheep.

Columbus, OH

In Columbus, Ohio, a Domestic Animal Permit is required for the keeping of goats and sheep within the city limits. You should fill out and submit an application form to Columbus Public Health. Certain items are required in addition to the application form. These include a plan and/or photo with details on how you intend to cage or confine the animals and written documents describing the disinfection and cleaning schedule and proper handling and care of the animals.

Cleveland, OH

In Cleveland, Ohio, the keeping of goats and sheep is permitted in both Residential and Non-Residential Districts, subject to certain regulations. In Residential Districts, a parcel of land that is 24,000 square feet in area is required for the keeping of goats and sheep. A maximum of 2 goats or sheep is allowed per 2,400 square feet of lot area, with one additional goat or sheep permitted for each additional 2,400 square feet of area. Stables or other enclosures for goats or sheep should be located in the backyard and be set back at least 40 feet from any street and 100 feet from a dwelling on another parcel.

In Non-Residential Districts, the keeping of goats and sheep requires a property of at least 14,400 square feet. No more than two goats or sheep are allowed per 14,400 square feet of lot area, with one additional goat or sheep allowed for each additional 1,200 square feet of area. Stables or other enclosures for goats and sheep in Non-Residential Districts are subject to the same setback requirements as those in Residential Districts, according to Cleveland's municipal code.

Cincinnati, OH

It is legal to own goats and sheep in the city of Cincinnati. According to the city's zoning code, all goats and sheep should be dehorned. A maximum of 2 goats or sheep is permitted on lots less than 10,000 square feet. On 10,000 to 20,000-square-foot lots, up to 4 goats or sheep are permitted. A maximum of 8 goats or sheep is permitted on lots exceeding 20,000 square feet. Structures for the housing of goats and sheep should provide at least 20 square feet of floor space per animal. In addition, a setback of 50 feet from all property lines is required for such structures.

Toledo, OH

A permit is required to have backyard goats and sheep in Toledo, Ohio. The permit is issued by the Commissioner of Health, according to Toledo's municipal code. Under the permit, all goats and sheep should be kept upon and within the confines of the premises of the owner.

Akron, OH

To keep goats or sheep in Akron, Ohio, you need to have one acre of land. In addition, you need to obtain a permit from the Director of Neighborhood Assistance. These requirements, however, do not apply to the keeping of one pygmy or miniature goat as a pet in a single-family dwelling. The city code requires that all pet pygmy goats be spayed or neutered. When kept outdoors, a pet pygmy goat should be provided with suitable shelter to protect it from the elements. In addition, the pygmy goat, when it is outdoors, should be kept in an area enclosed by a fence at least 4 feet in height.

Canton, OH

In Canton, OH, you can have backyard goats or sheep as long as you do not house them within 100 feet of the nearest dwelling or residence. The city code requires that you keep your animals tethered so that they cannot roam within 100 feet of the nearest dwelling or residence. The running at large of goats and sheep is prohibited by the city code.

Hamilton, OH

You can own goats or sheep in Hamilton, OH, provided you keep them at least one 100 feet from any place of human habitation or from any food establishment. According to Hamilton's municipal code, you shouldn't use any structure as a stable or housing for any sheep or goat, that is located on a lot that permits water and sewer connections. However, there is an exception, provided the portion of the lot used as a stable has running water and an impervious floor so constructed as to drain into the public sewer.

Kettering, OH

The raising and keeping of goats and sheep is permitted in Kettering, OH, provided certain conditions are followed. According to Kettering's General Offenses Code, "no person being the owner of or having charge of sheep or goats shall permit them to run at large upon any public way or upon the land of another."