Can You Own a Goat or Sheep in North Carolina?

Under most North Carolina municipal codes, goats and sheep are classified as livestock or farm animals. As such, their ownership is generally allowed in rural or agricultural zones. In residential zones, however, farm animals are strictly regulated. While some residential zones permit farm animals, others prohibit them. Therefore, whether you can own a goat or sheep in North Carolina depends on your location. It also depends on the size of your property, as some municipalities have lot size requirements. To find out whether goats or sheep are allowed in your locality, reach out to your local zoning office or animal control. Meanwhile, here are some North Carolina municipalities that allow the keeping of goats and sheep.

Charlotte, NC

You can own goats or sheep in Charlotte, NC, but not without first obtaining a permit from the Animal Control Bureau, according to the City Code. Before you're issued a permit, the bureau will have your premises inspected to determine if the keeping of goats or sheep on it will endanger or is likely to endanger the health, safety, peace, or otherwise become a public nuisance to nearby residents. Under the permit, you're required to keep your animal enclosure at a minimum of 25 feet from any property line. Each goat or sheep should have a minimum pasture area of one-fourth acre. You may slaughter goats or sheep on your property, but you should do so only in a humane and sanitary manner and away from prying eyes.

Raleigh, NC

In other to keep goats in Raleigh, North Carolina, you need to first obtain a permit from the Wake County Health Department and the City Inspection Division. However, you don't need a permit provided your animal stable or barn is located at least 200 feet from all neighboring residences. Raleigh's municipal code does not address the keeping of sheep. On a lot less than one acre, no more than one goat may be kept. On lots of one acre and not greater than 5 acres, a maximum of 3 goats may be kept. No more than 10 goats are permitted on lots greater than 5 acres.

Greensboro, NC

The keeping and raising of sheep and goats is a permitted accessory use in the AG and R-3 districts within Greensboro, North Carolina. The minimum lot size requirement for the keeping of sheep and goats in those districts is 10,000 square feet. Greensboro's zoning code requires all fencing and shelters for sheep and goats to be set back at least 50 from all property lines. One sheep or goat over 6 months of age is permitted per 5,000 square feet of fenced lot area. However, you should not count the area covered by your principal structure toward the satisfying minimum lot area per animal requirement.

Winston-Salem, NC

The City of Winston-Salem allows goats and sheep to be kept under certain conditions within city limits. Per Chapter 6, Sec. 6-4 of Winston-Salem's municipal code, any person who keeps goats or sheep in the city should provide their animals with an adequate fence and an appropriate shelter, which should be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. Furthermore, your animal shelter and fenced area should be located more than 50 feet from the property line of any adjoining lots or parcels of land. The only exception to this requirement is if you obtain a special use permit.

Cary, NC

In the Town of Cary, the keeping of goats and sheep is allowed as an accessory use in the R-40 and R-80 zoning districts with no permit required, provided certain conditions are met. For starters, goats and sheep may not be kept for the express purpose of commercial sale. Stables for the housing of goats and sheep may not be located closer than 300 feet to any residence on an adjacent property. According to the Town's zoning code, goats and sheep are limited in quantity per acre in accordance with North Carolina Department of Agriculture guidelines.

Wilmington, NC

A permit is required for the keeping of goats and sheep in Wilmington, NC. To be issued a permit, you need to have at least 40,000 square feet of land under single ownership or control. According to Wilmington's municipal code, there should be at least 20,000 square feet of land per animal. Furthermore, the barn or building that houses the animals should not be situated within 25 feet of any property line.

Asheville, NC

Goats and sheep may be kept in Asheville, NC, with a written permit issued by the animal control administrator. To be issued a permit, the structure in which you intend to keep the animals must be located more than 100 feet from any household other than your own. Additionally, an animal control officer will inspect your property to determine whether or not the stable, shed or other enclosures in which you intend to keep the animals can be maintained in a clean, sanitary, and healthful condition, according to Asheville's municipal code.

Gastonia, NC

A permit and one acre of land are required for the keeping of goats and sheep in Gastonia, North Carolina. Gastonia's municipal code requires that each goat or sheep be provided with a minimum pasture area of one-fourth acre. Furthermore, such pasture areas should be securely fenced at all times. As required by the city code, goats and sheep should be provided with adequate shelter to protect them from the elements. Barns or buildings for the housing of goats and sheep should not be located in the front yard, nor within 25 feet of any property line or within 100 feet of a neighboring residence. The fenced pasture area should not be located within 15 feet of any property line or within 75 feet of any neighboring residence.