Using Goats for Vegetation Clearing in Salem

In Salem, you can use goats to clear vegetation from your land without needing a permit, as long as you follow specific rules outlined in SRC 400.120(d)(3).

Grazing Rules

Goat herding companies specialize in renting herds of goats for targeted grazing. While it is not required, it is highly recommended to hire an experienced goat herder to ensure that the goats are properly monitored and cared for while grazing your land.

Allowed Uses

• Only goats may be used for targeted grazing in Salem.
• Keeping goats permanently on a property is not allowed, except in the Residential Agriculture Zone, where you can keep goats for private, noncommercial use on a lot of at least 10,000 square feet.

Grazing Duration and Limits

• Goats may graze for no more than 21 days at a time on a property that is half an acre or less.
• For properties over half an acre, you can split the area into penned sections of at least half an acre. Goats can graze for no more than 21 days in any one penned area.
• Goats must not return to a grazed property or penned area for 30 days.
• A maximum of three grazing treatments is allowed per property or penned area in a calendar year.

Sites with Protected Vegetation

Goats eat all types of vegetation, so it is your responsibility as the property owner and goat herder to ensure that they do not eat protected plants. In Salem, all native vegetation is protected within riparian corridors, which are areas on both sides of a waterway, such as a creek or river. The boundary of a riparian corridor is measured 50 feet horizontally from the top of the bank on each side of the waterway. Goat grazing is generally appropriate only in areas where the understory is dominated by invasive species.

Use of Electric Fences

Temporary electric fences are allowed to pen grazing goats within the city. Goat herders often use these fences for targeted grazing. The fences must be marked with warning signs every 15 feet to inform people of the potential danger.

Noise Regulations

Goats can create noise disturbances for neighboring property owners. If you use grazing goats on your land, be mindful of their noise levels. Goats tend to be quiet when they are content, but they may vocalize loudly when they are:

• Hungry or thirsty
• Injured or sick
• In rutting season

Care of Goats Grazing Your Land

If you rent goats from an experienced goat herder, they will monitor and care for the goats while grazing. If you choose to care for them yourself, here are some important considerations.

Shelter

• Goats cannot tolerate wet conditions and will seek dry shelter during bad weather.
• They should have access to shelter at all times, regardless of the season.
• Regularly clean goat shelters to remove accumulated waste. Contact the City’s Planning Division before establishing any shelter structures to ensure compliance with accessory structure development standards.

Feed

• Goats cannot rely solely on the vegetation on your property for food.
• They require a balanced diet that includes high-quality hay free from mold, seasonal green vegetation, and daily mineral supplements.
• Consult an experienced goat owner or veterinarian for advice on a suitable diet.

Water

• Goats need a constant supply of clean, fresh water.
• Position water containers securely to prevent contamination and ensure they cannot be knocked over.
• Provide six gallons of water per day for each goat.

Fencing

• Fences should be at least four feet high and checked regularly for gaps.
• Ensure that gaps are small enough to prevent goats from getting their heads or limbs stuck.

Tethering

• Do not tether goats, as this can lead to injury or strangulation.
• Tethered goats are also vulnerable to predatory animals.
• By following these guidelines, you can effectively use goats for vegetation clearing while ensuring their health and safety, as well as that of your neighbors.