San Rafael, CA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- SRMC § 6.04.010
- Requires
- City permit before keeping animals
- Covers
- Poultry, rabbits, cows, goats, sheep
- Exempt
- Cats and dogs
- Enforcement
- Health officer inspection, revocable permit
Summary
San Rafael requires a city permit before keeping chickens, ducks, rabbits, cows, goats, sheep or other farm animals, besides cats and dogs, on any property within city limits, under SRMC § 6.04.010.
It is unlawful for any person to keep, harbor, or maintain any poultry, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, rabbits, hares, cows, goats, sheep or other domesticated animals except cats and dogs, or to cause, permit or allow the same to be kept or maintained in any premises within the city without first having obtained any required permits and approvals from the city.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 37).
Full Breakdown
SRMC § 6.04.010 makes it unlawful to keep, harbor or maintain poultry, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, rabbits, hares, cows, goats, sheep or other domesticated animals other than cats and dogs anywhere within the City of San Rafael without first obtaining the required city permits and approvals. Permitted premises must stay open to inspection by the city health officer or a city manager designee at all reasonable times (§ 6.04.050), keep reasonable sanitary conditions (§ 6.04.060), and the permit is revocable whenever sanitation, safety or welfare requires it (§ 6.04.070). This is San Rafael's own city ordinance; it does not apply to unincorporated Marin County areas, which follow county rules instead.
Violations & Fines
Keeping poultry, rabbits or livestock without a permit violates § 6.04.010; the city can revoke an existing permit under § 6.04.070, and premises are subject to inspection at all reasonable times to check sanitary compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep backyard chickens in San Rafael without a permit?
Do San Rafael's livestock permit rules apply outside city limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Rafael
How San Rafael compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·California rules heatmap·Compare San Rafael to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.