Raleigh Urban Farming

In my opinion, Raleigh is the most lenient and accessible urban farming city of all Triangle cities. Keep in mind that the following rules are the city ordinances. Your property or the property you wish to purchase may have HOA regulations or restrictive covenants that supersede city ordinances. Even if your property is not located in a subdivision, restrictive covenants may still apply. Raleigh city livestock regulations are as follows:

Animal Housing

• Stables or housing for any and all livestock must be at least 200 feet from neighboring residences.
• Any part of the lot used for livestock must be enclosed. In other words, you cannot tether or free range your animals.
• Livestock stables must comply with local zoning ordinances.
• Stables must be constructed and maintained in conformity with the Wake County Board of Health

Poultry

Poultry is allowed with no maximums, limitations or permits needed.

• No sale of baby chickens, ducks or rabbits inside the city limits unless you are a licensed hatchery.
• No animals running at large.

Click here to see properties for sale in subdivisions that don’t restrict poultry.

Livestock

Properties under 1 acre

One head of livestock, including cattle, horses,& non-pygmy goats may be kept on properties of less than one acre. Pygmy goats are defined as a domesticated goat weighing no more than 85 pounds and standing no higher than 21 inches. Pygmy goats may be kept in pairs on properties less than an acre. Keep in mind that although single full sized goats are allowed on lots under one acre, and a single dairy goat may provide more than enough milk for a family, goats are very social creatures and require the companionship of another animal, preferably another goat, to be well adjusted. A goat kept without a companion will likely express her displeasure rather loudly. An unhappy goat’s bleating can be as or more disturbing as a barking dog.

1 – 5 Acre Lots

Properties with 1-5 acres may have a total of 3 head of livestock per acre, may be kept. So if your property is .99 acres and has no other subdivision restrictions, you are allowed 1 head of livestock. If your property is 1 acre with no other restrictions, you are allowed 3 heads of livestock. If 2 acres, you could have 6 goats, cows or horses. 3 acres, could support 9 animals and so on.

Properties over 5 acres

Properties over 5 acres may have up to 10 head of livestock per acre.

Raleigh Farms & Hobby Farms for Sale