Can You Own Goats or Sheep in South Carolina?

South Carolina State law does not ban the owning of farm or livestock animals, including goats and sheep. However, your local zoning laws or municipal code may tell you otherwise. That's because each municipality in the Palmetto State is authorized to have its own animal-keeping ordinance. While all Rhode Island municipalities allow for the keeping of various domesticated animals as pets, there are specific regulations regarding the keeping of farm or livestock animals. Livestock animals such as goats and sheep are generally not considered suitable as pets. Plus, they require larger spaces and specialized care.

As a result, the ownership of livestock animals is generally restricted to rural or agricultural zones. In residential zones, however, there are laws dictating permitted land use and regulating on the types and number of animals allowed. If your property is zoned as "residential," it is essential to contact your local zoning office or animal control to ensure compliance with any specific regulations that may apply in your area. In essence, you need to seek proper authorization and meet all necessary requirements to avoid potential legal issues.

The following South Carolina municipalities permit backyard goats and sheep.

Anderson, SC

In Anderson, South Carolina, the keeping of milk goats is permitted in all zoning districts. According to Chapter 18, Article III, Sec. 18-4 of the city code, each lot, premises, or residence is limited to two milk goats. However, milk goats under six months of age are exempt from this limitation. By ordinance, you're required to keep your goat enclosure 150 feet from any residence or place of business. Further, the city code makes it unlawful for you to permit your milk goats to go at large on any street, alley, sidewalk, park, square, or other public place. While the city code does not specifically address the keeping of sheep, it does state that it's unlawful for any person to permit any sheep to go at large.

Charleston, SC

In Charleston, SC, you can own goats or sheep provided you keep them at a distance of more than 150 feet from any dwelling, other than your dwelling. If you can't meet this distance requirement, then you need to obtain written permission from all neighbors residing within 150 feet of the place where you intend to house the goats or sheep. In addition, such written permission must be approved by either the health officer, the public safety and housing officer, or the Division of Animal Control, according to Charleston Animal Society.

Rock Hill, SC

You can own goats or sheep in Rock Hill, SC, as long as you prevent them from running at large. According to Rock Hill's municipal code, any goat or sheep found running at large within the city will be seized and impounded in some suitable enclosure. Upon the impounding of any goat or sheep, the animal control officer making such seizure will advertise the animal by posting handbills in three conspicuous places in the city. The animal owner has five days from the date of the seizure to claim the impounded animal by paying a required fee and the expense incurred.

Summerville, SC

Summerville's municipal code permits the keeping of goats and sheep so long as they are not allowed to be at large. Per Chapter 4, Sec. 4-41 of the Town's municipal code, it's unlawful and constitutes a nuisance for any person owning any sheep or goats to permit the same to run at large at any time within the corporate limits of the municipality. Any person who violates Sec. 4-41 of the Town Code will be guilty of a misdemeanor, an offense punishable by a fine of up to $500.

Bluffton, SC

In Bluffton, SC, you can have backyard goats or sheep as long as you don't keep them in such a manner so as to constitute a public nuisance, according to the Town Code. For example, keeping goats or sheep in unsanitary conditions or permitting them to damage another person's property, including, turning over garbage containers or damaging gardens, flowers, or vegetables, is deemed to be a public nuisance and is, therefore, unlawful.

Aiken, SC

In Aiken, SC, you can own goats or sheep as long as you don't allow them to "be hitched, graze, or run at large in any of the streets, highways, or parks within the city, according to Aiken's municipal code Chapter 8, Sec. 8-14.

North Augusta, SC

In North Augusta, SC, the ordinance required all goats to be kept at least 50 feet from any residence or place of business. Further, all enclosures or structures for the housing of goats should not be located less than 25 feet from any residence or place of business. The ordinance does not specifically address the keeping of sheep but it does prohibit goats and sheep from being permitted to run at large.

Lexington, SC

In Lexington, SC, goats and sheep are required by ordinance to be kept more than 250 from any residence. Having met this requirement, you should not allow your goats or sheep to run at large on any streets or in public places.