Dublin, CA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing sections
- DMC §§ 5.36.020, 5.36.030
- Livestock definition
- Includes poultry, § 5.36.020
- Permit required
- Animal Fanciers Permit in 'R' districts
- Permit term
- Up to 3 years, Director's discretion
- Violation
- Misdemeanor under § 5.36.090
Summary
Dublin, California treats backyard poultry and other livestock as a permitted accessory use only with a City-issued Animal Fanciers Permit anywhere in an "R" residential zoning district. Chickens fall under the code's "livestock" definition alongside horses, goats, and rabbits, so keeping them without a permit in an R district is unlawful.
"Livestock" means any domesticated farm animal, including, but not limited to, horse, cow, sheep, goat, rabbit, poultry and any commercial fur bearing animals, including but not limited to, mink and chinchilla, but does not mean or include household pets. ... No person shall keep more than two (2) dogs or keep more than two (2) cats, or keep any livestock as accessory to any dwelling unit located in any "R" zoning district as designated on the city zoning map except in accordance with the provisions of a valid animal fanciers permit issued by the Director.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2-26, passed March 3, 2026).
Full Breakdown
020 defines "Livestock" as "any domesticated farm animal, including, but not limited to, horse, cow, sheep, goat, rabbit, poultry and any commercial fur bearing animals," while expressly excluding household pets. 030 then bars keeping any livestock as accessory to a dwelling unit in an "R" zoning district except under a valid Animal Fanciers Permit issued by the Director. 040 requires a written application and fee set by City Council resolution, and the Director must find the keeping will not violate any law, can meet standards set jointly with the County Health Officer, will not endanger neighborhood peace, health, or safety, that the premises are clean and sanitary, that the applicant has had no permit revoked in the prior year, and that it will not become a public nuisance. 030(C). 050, and may summarily suspend for up to thirty days if there is an immediate safety threat. 590(C).
Violations & Fines
Keeping poultry or other livestock in an "R" district without an Animal Fanciers Permit is a misdemeanor under Section 5.36.090. The Director can also inspect permitted premises at any reasonable hour and impound animals if a permit is denied, revoked, or suspended, or if the owner refuses to apply for one, under Section 5.36.060.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep chickens in my backyard in Dublin?
How do I get a permit to keep livestock or poultry?
Can the city take away my Animal Fanciers Permit?
What happens if I keep chickens without a permit in an R district?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dublin
How Dublin compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·California rules heatmap·Compare Dublin to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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