Santa Clara County · Land use · Horses and stables
Where is keeping horses allowed in Santa Clara County?
In Santa Clara County, keeping horses is allowed in 4 base zones (R1, R1E, RHS and R1S, all with a condition) and not allowed in 3 (Santa Clara County use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: R1, R1E, RHS and R1S
- Not allowed: R3S, R2 and R3
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Santa Clara County Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where keeping horses can go
Santa Clara County's code calls this use “Horses”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| R1 | Allowed — see note Note 7: Horses. Minimum lot size for the keeping of horses in urban residential districts is one-half acre. Not to exceed two horses per acre. | § 2.30.020 |
| R1E | Allowed — see note Note 7: Horses. Minimum lot size for the keeping of horses in urban residential districts is one-half acre. Not to exceed two horses per acre. | § 2.30.020 |
| RHS | Allowed — see note Note 7: Horses. Minimum lot size for the keeping of horses in urban residential districts is one-half acre. Not to exceed two horses per acre. | § 2.30.020 |
| R1S | Allowed — see note Note 7: Horses. Minimum lot size for the keeping of horses in urban residential districts is one-half acre. Not to exceed two horses per acre. | § 2.30.020 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Not covered here: Combining districts (-os, -sm, -h, -bw, -d1, -d2 etc.) can change allowed uses; Chapter 2.10 use classification definitions are not in the packet; Other base districts of the county outside Chapters 2.20-2.50, if any. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Santa Clara County
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have keeping horses in the R3S zone in Santa Clara County?
No. Santa Clara County's use table does not allow it in R3S (§ 2.30.020).
Can I have keeping horses in the R1 zone in Santa Clara County?
Yes, with a condition. Santa Clara County's use table lists it as allowed in R1 (§ 2.30.020). The code adds a condition: “Horses. Minimum lot size for the keeping of horses in urban residential districts is one-half acre. Not to exceed two horses per acre.”
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about keeping horses at an address in Santa Clara County
Ask GoCodebook what the zoning at a specific address allows and get an answer that cites the section.
Ask your question