However, in zoning districts other than agricultural, the keeping of livestock animals is usually subject to conditions and restrictions. It's your responsibility to determine whether goats or sheep are allowed where you live. This involves contacting your local Animal Control or Planning and Zoning Division. The following Georgia municipalities allow for goats and sheep on residential properties.
Atlanta, GA
In Atlanta, GA, goats and sheep are considered hoofed animals and may be kept within the city limits, subject to certain regulations. Per Chapter 18, Sec. 18-39 of Atlanta's Code of Ordinances, no more than 10 goats or sheep may be kept on a single premises. All goats and sheep should be provided with adequate housing, pens, or enclosures. Such enclosures should provide at least 150 square feet of floor space per animal over four months of age. Further, all goat and sheep enclosures should be located 150 feet from any neighboring residence or nearest business establishment. The setback requirement of the animal enclosure from your own residence is 25 feet.
Augusta-Richmond County, GA
A permit is required to own goats or sheep in the Urban Services District in Augusta-Richmond County, GA. According to the Augusta-Richmond County Code, it's unlawful for you to keep goats or sheep in the Urban Services District without the permission of the Board of Health. Once you're granted a permit, you need to see to it that your animals do not go at large otherwise, your permit may be revoked. Per Title 4, Article 3, Sec. 4-1-52 of the Augusta-Richmond County Code, it's unlawful for any livestock to run at large or to stray upon any public road or property not belonging to the livestock owner.
Macon-Bibb County, GA
Macon-Bibb County's ordinance allows residents to own farm animals, including goats and sheep. According to the ordinance, you may keep one goat or sheep without a permit on your premises. If you wish to own more than one goat or sheep, you need to obtain written authorization from the Board of Health. All animal enclosures are required to be cleaned at least once each day.
Savannah, GA
Goat and sheep ownership is encouraged and welcomed by the City of Savanna. At the same time, the City's Animal Ordinance places strong emphasis on responsible ownership of animals. Per Article D, Sec. 9-5068 of the Ordinance, The keeping of sheep and goats for personal, noncommercial purposes is permitted provided certain requirements are met. For starters, a minimum parcel size of 2 acres is required to own goats or sheep.
One goat or sheep is allowed per 1,000 square feet of high ground, up to a maximum of 5 animals. However, the minimum parcel size requirement may be waived by the Animal Control Unit Commander if the sheep or goats have appropriate facilities and care. The slaughtering of animals is permitted but you should do so in a humane manner and out of sight of neighbors and the general public.
Sandy Springs, GA
In Sandy Springs, GA, you can keep as many as 10 goats or sheep in your residential backyard, provided you meet certain requirements. For starters, all livestock animals should be kept 150 feet from any occupied building except the dwelling unit of the animal owner. Except in an area zoned for agriculture, each goat or sheep enclosure should provide at least 150 square feet of floor space per animal. The maximum number of livestock animals that may be kept on any single premises is 10, except in the areas zoned for agriculture.
Johns Creek, GA
The keeping of sheep or goats on residential properties is permitted in Johns Creek, GA, subject to certain requirements. Per Chapter 10, Sec. 10-4 of Johns Creek's Code of Ordinances, sheep and goats should be kept 100 feet away from any occupied building, except for that of the animal owner. Additionally, each goat or sheep should be provided with at least 150 feet of floor or ground area in the enclosure wherein it is kept. Except in agricultural areas, no more than 10 goats or sheep may be kept on any single premises.
Stonecrest, GA
Stonecrest's Zoning Ordinance addresses the keeping of livestock in the City. As required by the ordinance, you need a lot containing two or more acres to own goats or sheep in the city. The ordinance allows no more than three sheep or goats per fenced acre. All livestock structures should be set back not less than 100 feet from any property line. However, there is an exception for miniature or dwarf livestock. The ordinance allows up to 2 mini goats or sheep per 50 square feet of fenced area, with no minimum lot size.
However, on lots less than 10,000 square feet, no more than three mini goats or sheep may be kept. Structures for housing miniature livestock should be setback not less than 10 feet from any property line. FYI, miniature goats include Nigerian Dwarf goat, Pygmy (UK goat breed), and American Pygmy. An example of a miniature sheep is the Babydoll Sheep.
Milton, GA
In Milton, GA, you can keep up to 10 goats or sheep on your residential property as long as the animals are 150 feet away from any neighboring building. Additionally, Milton's municipal code requires that each goat or sheep be provided with at least 150 square feet of floor space in the enclosure in which it is kept.
Tucker, GA
For the keeping of standard-sized goats or sheep in Tucker, Georgia, a lot containing 2 or more acres is required. A maximum of 3 standard-sized goats or sheep is allowed per fenced acre. For the keeping of miniature (Dwarf) goats or sheep, no minimum lot size is required. Tucker's Zoning Code allows up to 2 mini goats or sheep per 50 square feet of fenced area. However, lots less than 10,000 square feet are limited to 3 mini goats or sheep. Mini goat or sheep structures should be setback not less than 10 feet from any property line. On the other hand, standard-sized goat or sheep structures should be situated at least 100 feet from any property line.
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