Your town or city ordinances will determine whether or not you can keep goats or sheep in your backyard. Under state law, sheep and goats are considered "domestic animals," not pets, and are therefore allowed as a use by right in rural or agricultural zones. If you live in a residential area, it's advisable to check with your local Code Enforcement, Zoning Office, or Animal Control before keeping any goats or sheep in your backyard. The following Vermont municipalities allow residents to own goats and sheep.
Burlington, VT
The City of Burlington permits goats and sheep to be kept for both personal and commercial purposes. The City Code requires all goat and sheep owners to file a complete annual registration form with the health officer. The registration fee for two or more goats/sheep is $50. All goat and sheep owners are required to take all reasonable action to prevent the attraction of predators and rodents as well as the potential infestation of insects and parasites, which may result in unhealthy conditions for humans.
All goats and sheep are required to be provided with an enclosure and continuous access to shelter to protect them from the elements. All enclosures and fenced areas are required to be kept in a neat and sanitary condition at all times and no less than 10 feet from all property lines.
Castleton, VT
Under certain conditions, goats and sheep are permitted in the Town of Castleton, Vermont. Under the Town's animal control ordinance, goats and sheep are considered "domestic animals." You may not permit a domestic animal to run at large in the Town. No domestic animal may be kept or maintained in a manner contrary to generally accepted humane standards. You should not allow your domestic animals to cause damage to the property of anyone other than your own property. Also, you should not allow your domestic animals to make such a noise as to disturb the peace of any person other than your peace.
Hartford, VT
In Hartford, VT, the raising or keeping of sheep and goats is permitted on lots of one acre in Residential and Commercial Districts. On lots of one acre or more in those districts, approval may be
granted under certain conditions. According to Hartford's ordinances, no objectionable odor, noise, nuisance, health, or safety hazards should result from the keeping of goats or sheep. A zoning permit isn't required for the construction of an animal structure but you're required to notify the Zoning Administrative Officer of the intent to build a farm structure.
Barre City, VT
In the City of Barre, a license from the City Clerk is required for the keeping of goats and sheep. Upon receipt of an application for a license, the clerk will forward such application to the health officer for approval, according to the City's animal ordinance. Before you're granted a license, the health officer will inspect your premises and determine that such keeping will not create a nuisance and will not be detrimental to the health of the animals or the peace of the inhabitants living nearby.
Winooski, VT
The City of Winooski’s Municipal Code requires residents to obtain a license to own goats and sheep. All applications for a license will be referred to the zoning administrator to determine whether the proposed use is allowed under the city's zoning ordinances. You may be granted a license after the city has inspected your premises and determined that the keeping of goats or sheep thereon will not constitute a nuisance and will not be detrimental to the health or peace of the inhabitants living nearby. Under the license, you may not allow your goats or sheep to run at large in the city.
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