Regulations for Keeping Livestock and Bees in the City of Charlotte
In the City of Charlotte, keeping chickens and other livestock for personal use is permitted only on residential lots that are at least one acre in size and classified as a "Farm." Bee keeping is permitted in the City of Charlotte on residential farms regardless of the lot size, provided all structures and activities follow specific prescribed conditions. The keeping of any livestock is strictly prohibited within areas designated as "Community Gardens."
Classification of Animal Keeping
Under the City of Charlotte Unified Development Ordinance, the ability to keep animals depends on the primary use of the land.
Residential Farms
A "Farm" is defined as land used primarily for growing crops, produce, or flowers, where horses and other livestock may be raised for personal use [Section 15.3]. In the Neighborhood 1 and Neighborhood 2 Zoning Districts, a Farm is an allowed use subject to prescribed conditions [Section 15.2].
Community Gardens
A "Community Garden" is land used to grow and harvest food or non-food crops for personal or group use or donation [Section 15.3]. While these are permitted in all City of Charlotte residential districts, the keeping of livestock is expressly prohibited in a Community Garden [Section 15.6.W.3].
Private Stables
A "Private Stable" is an accessory use for the keeping of equines (horses) for private use [Section 15.3]. This use requires a minimum lot size of one acre in the City of Charlotte [Section 15.6.L.1].
Technical Requirements for Livestock and Bees
The City of Charlotte imposes different standards based on the size of the residential lot and the type of animal being kept.
Farms Smaller than One Acre
On residential lots in the City of Charlotte that are smaller than one acre, animal-related farming activities are restricted as follows:
- Bees: Bee keeping is explicitly permitted [Section 15.4.OO.2.d].
- Livestock/Chickens: Farming activities are limited strictly to bee keeping and the growing of crops, produce, and flowers. This excludes the keeping of chickens or other livestock on lots under one acre [Section 15.4.OO.2.d].
Farms of One Acre or Larger
On residential lots of one acre or larger, the City of Charlotte allows for the raising of livestock for personal use, provided the following spatial requirements are met:
| Requirement Type | Standard for Farms (1+ Acre) | Standard for Private Stables |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 1 Acre [Section 15.4.OO.1] | 1 Acre [Section 15.6.L.1] |
| Animal Structure Setback | 100 feet from any lot line [Section 15.4.OO.1.b] | 50 feet from any lot line [Section 15.6.L.2] |
| Manure Storage Setback | 250 feet from any lot line [Section 15.4.OO.1.d] | 50 feet from any lot line [Section 15.6.L.2] |
| Manure Storage Method | Must be in appropriate containers [Section 15.4.OO.1.d] | Not specified |
Prohibited Activities
The City of Charlotte Unified Development Ordinance prohibits the following animal-related activities in residential areas:
- The spreading of manure is prohibited [Section 15.4.OO.1.d].
- On farms less than one acre, the keeping of livestock is prohibited [Section 15.4.OO.2.d].
- The keeping of livestock is prohibited in any Community Garden [Section 15.6.W.3].
- Spectator sport horse racing is prohibited at commercial or private stables [Section 15.4.N.3.d].
Sections Cited
- Article 15.2, Global Use Matrix
- Article 15.3, Use Definitions
- Article 15.4.N, Principal Uses: Prescribed Conditions (Boarding Stables, Commercial)
- Article 15.4.OO, Principal Uses: Prescribed Conditions (Farm)
- Article 15.6.L, Accessory Uses: Prescribed Conditions (Private Stables)
- Article 15.6.W, Accessory Uses: Prescribed Conditions (Community Garden)