California prohibits breed-specific bans, so Petaluma cannot ban a breed outright; state law allows only breed-specific spay/neuter requirements. The city regulates dangerous/vicious dogs by behavior.
Petaluma can't ban your dog based on its breed — California law forbids breed-specific bans statewide. The only breed-specific rule the state allows is a mandatory spay/neuter program, and that's the outer limit of what any California city can do. What Petaluma does instead is regulate dogs by behavior: a dog that has shown itself to be dangerous or vicious faces restrictions regardless of breed, while a well-behaved dog of any breed faces none. For owners of commonly targeted breeds, that behavior-based approach is the whole story here.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Petaluma, CA
Persistent dog barking in Petaluma is enforced under the noise ordinance and animal provisions as a disturbance; chronic barking that disturbs neighbors can ...
Petaluma, CA
Construction noise in Petaluma is limited to daytime hours under the noise ordinance — generally 7 a.m.–7 p.m. weekdays with more limited weekend hours and n...
Petaluma, CA
Driveway approaches in Petaluma require an encroachment permit and must meet city standards; vehicles generally must be parked on an approved paved surface, ...
Petaluma, CA
RV, trailer and boat storage on residential lots in Petaluma is regulated by zoning, which restricts placement (typically a paved area) and prohibits living ...
Petaluma, CA
Petaluma Code §11.44.120 prohibits parking commercial vehicles in residential districts except while actively loading/unloading or performing services on pro...
Petaluma, CA
A building/zoning permit is generally required in Petaluma for fences over 6 feet or for masonry/retaining walls; pool barrier fences must meet the Californi...
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