Urban Farming
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Goats
In January 2012, the City of San Diego amended its Municipal Code to allow residents of single family homes to keep and maintain two miniature goats. The specific regulations are in Section 44.0307 and can be found by downloading the following provision: 
Chapter 04, Article 04, Division 03, Animals.
Miniature goats are herding animals and need companionship. For that reason, the City requires you keep and maintain two goats and not just one. The regulations require that a goat shed be provided and located outside of all required setbacks, which are based on the zoning of your property. Generally, most single-family homes in the city of San Diego would have to locate the goat shed 5 feet from side property lines, and 13 feet from the rear property line. The regulations also require that the goats have a secured outdoor area that is at least 400 square feet.
For specific information regarding the zone setback for your property, go to the Zoning Map application and type in your address. You will then receive the zone name for your property. A link to “More Info” takes you to another page that directs you to the regulations for your zone. When viewing the regulations, go to the Development Regulations Table for your zone and look up “Setback Requirements.”
You can also call the City’s Development Services Department at 619-446-5000, provide your address and request the name of your zone and the zoning setback information. Someone will return your call and provide you with the information.
Benefits
- Goats can provide fresh milk and cheese. It is important to keep in mind the regulations require that any goat’s milk or cheeses produced be for personal consumption only.
- Goat milk and cheese may be consumed by individuals who are allergic to cow’s milk. The American Dairy Goat Association states the fat globules in goats are smaller than those in cow’s milk and that the curd is softer and smaller which eases digestion.
- On average two goats can provide as much as a half-gallon of milk per day.
- Goat manure, unlike that of dogs, can be added to compost piles or used directly as a fertilizer when tilled into the soil.
- Many goat owners boast of the companionship and enjoyment goats provide to their owners.
Risks
There are certain health risks inherent in handling goats or anything in the areas they occupy. It is very important to understand that goat’s milk must be pasteurized before it is consumed or used for making cheese. Consuming raw, unpasteurized, milk can cause life threatening illnesses especially in young children and those with immune impairment are especially at risk. The following information provides ways to reduce the risks:
- Pasteurize all goat milk. The National Dairy Council says to heat the strained milk to a minimum of 145°F for 30 minutes or to 161°F or more for 15 seconds, followed by rapid cooling.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after touching the goats or anything in the area where they occupy. Avoid touching your mouth before washing your hands. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not readily available.
- Do not let children younger than 5 years of age handle or touch goats without supervision.
- Adults should supervise hand washing for young children.
- Do not eat or drink in the area the goats occupy.
Summary of Regulations
- Only miniature, pygmy or dwarf goats may be kept.
- All goats must be dehorned.
- Males must be neutered.
- Two goats must be kept, except that offspring may be kept for up to 12 weeks from birth.
- The goat shed shall be no less than 10 square feet and designed to be predator proof, vented, waterproof and easily accessed for cleaning.
- The goat shed must be located outside of all required zoning setbacks.
- The shed shall provide direct access to an outdoor enclosure that is a minimum of 400 square feet, surrounded by a 5-foot-tall fence that is secured from outside of the pen, free of objects that would allow the goat to climb out of the enclosure. The enclosure must be easily accessed for cleaning.
- Goat’s milk, cheeses and similar food products are for personal consumption only. Sale of these is prohibited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Miniature goats include dwarf and pygmy breed goats as well as miniature goats (a standard goat bred to a dwarf or pygmy goat).
Goats bleat occasionally, but the average bleat is quieter than the average dog bark. Unlike dogs which tend to bark if they see or hear another animal, goats are a “prey” species that stays still and quiet in response to a perceived threat or unusual situation.
The regulations require male goats be neutered, so how is the goat going to give birth?
Breeding goats has similarities to breeding dogs. There are professional goat breeders in the region that provide breeding services for a fee.
Why do males need to be neutered?
Unneutered male goats emit a very foul odor and are not suitable in an urban setting.
Why do the goats need to be dehorned?
Goats can be very playful, even rambunctious, especially in a confined urban setting. They are required to be dehorned to protect them. With horns intact, goats can get stuck in fencing and other objects and potentially injure themselves. Goats should be dehorned (disbudded) when they are young, typically within three weeks of birth.
How do you deal with excrement?
It makes excellent compost. In fact, goats provide a simple way of recycling vegetarian food scraps. The goats will eat any vegetable scraps.
More Information
Additional information regarding keeping and maintaining goats can be found at the following websites:
- San Diego Public Library – Search the City’s Library catalog or visit your local library for free information about raising goats.
- American Goat Society – A national organization that provides assistance and information to its members regarding raising goats.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Food safety information from the CDC regarding raw milk.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture – The USDA’s Small-Scale Goat Operations brochure provides information to assist those raising goats.
- City of San Diego Fire-Rescue - Application for use of goats for brush management.