Yes, Tennessee permits urban goat-keeping under strict municipal and county zoning codes, but legality hinges on local ordinances and state animal welfare statutes. Nashville’s 2024 zoning amendments restrict goats to agricultural zones, while Knoxville’s 2025 ordinance caps herd size at four per 1-acre lot. State law (Tenn. Code Ann. § 44-1-108) requires compliance with county health department sanitation rules, including waste management and fencing standards. Violations may trigger citations under the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s livestock regulations.
Key Regulations for Keeping Goats in the City in Tennessee
- Zoning Compliance: Municipalities like Memphis and Chattanooga prohibit goats in residential districts unless permitted via special exception or agricultural overlay zones. Check the local Zoning Ordinance for lot size, setback, and use restrictions.
- Herd Size Limits: Shelby County’s 2026 draft ordinance limits urban goat ownership to two animals per 0.5-acre parcel, aligning with Memphis’ 2023 Livestock Code revisions. Exceeding caps may require a conditional use permit.
- Sanitation & Welfare: State regulations mandate secure, escape-proof enclosures (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0080-5-1-.07) and annual health inspections by county veterinarians. Failure to adhere risks fines under Tenn. Code Ann. § 44-17-102.