What are the rules for having livestock (chickens, goats, etc.)?

Livestock is defined as including (but not limited to) the following:
  • Horses
  • Mules
  • Burros
  • Cattle
  • Llamas
  • Sheep
  • Goats
  • Rabbits
  • Chickens
  • Other Poultry

 

The majority of properties within La Grande are not permitted to raise and keep livestock. The only exception are for properties that are located within a "rural residential zone" or a "hillside development zone"; or properties that have a "grandfather right" that is documented and acknowledged by the City of La Grande Planning Division.

For properties that may raise and keep a variety of livestock, the number of livestock allowed is based on the size of the property. Each type of livestock must be provided with a minimum amount of pasture area:

Horses, Mules, Burros & Cattle
10,000 square feet of
pasture is required per animal

Llamas, Sheep & Goats
5,000 square feet of
pasture is required per animal

Rabbits & All Poultry
500 square feet of
pasture is required per animal

If you have any questions about the zoning of your property or whether there is a documented grandfather right acknowledged by the City of La Grande Planning Division, please contact the Planning Division at (541) 962-1307.