Chico, CA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Max leash length
- 6 feet
- Applies to
- licensed or unlicensed dogs
- Off-leash exception
- designated Bidwell Park area
- Enforcement
- impoundment at city shelter
Summary
Chico bans letting a dog run at large, on or off leash, in public or on someone else's property, unless it's in a city-designated off-leash exercise area.
It shall be unlawful for any person owning, possessing or having the custody or control of a dog to allow or permit such dog, whether licensed or unlicensed, to be or run at large, provided that the term "at large" as defined by Section 7.08.010(I) shall not be deemed to apply where the following circumstances prevail:
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Supplement contains local legislation current through: Codified Resolution No. 53-26, adopted 7-14-26 and Ordinance No. 2622, adopted 6-2-26).
Full Breakdown
Chico Municipal Code § 7.08.110 makes it unlawful for any owner or custodian to allow a dog to run at large, whether the dog is licensed or not. 'Running at large' is defined in § 7.08.010(I) as being in any public place, or on private property without the owner's consent, unless the dog is restrained on a leash under the control of a person capable of holding it, or tethered on the owner's own premises without creating a nuisance. A leash is capped at six feet. The only exceptions are a designated off-leash exercise area in Bidwell Park and any area the City Council sets aside elsewhere in the city.
Violations & Fines
Infraction; fine set by City Council resolution under Chapter 1.15, plus impoundment at the city animal shelter; can trigger abatement proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chico require dogs to be on a leash in public?
Where can dogs run off-leash in Chico?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chico
California rules heatmap·Compare Chico to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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