San Leandro, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Groomer Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Boarding cap
- 48 hours maximum incidental boarding
- By-right zones
- CC and CS districts, no CUP required
- Downtown districts
- DA-1 through DA-6 allow it, indoor only
- Governing definition
- SLMC § 1.12.108, 'Animal Grooming'
- Max penalty
- $1,000 fine and/or 1 year jail
Summary
San Leandro classifies commercial pet grooming as an 'Animal Grooming' use under Municipal Code Section 1.12.108, capping any incidental boarding at 48 hours. The use is permitted outright, without a conditional use permit, in the CC (Commercial Community) and CS (Commercial Services) zoning districts under Sections 2.08.200 and 2.08.216.
Animal Grooming. Provision of bathing and trimming services for small animals on a commercial basis. This classification includes boarding of domestic animals for a maximum period of 48 hours.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4967405; v8 updated 2026-07-06).
Full Breakdown
108 as bathing and trimming services for small animals on a commercial basis, with incidental boarding capped at 48 hours; longer stays push the business into the separate 'Animal Boarding' or 'Animal Hospitals' classifications, which carry their own zoning rules. 216(A)(3) grants the same by-right status in the CS district. 224 and its DA-district counterparts. A groomer that also boards animals past the 48-hour cap must instead qualify, and apply, under the Animal Boarding classification, which is not permitted by right in every commercial district, so the boarding window is the practical line between a routine grooming shop and a use requiring discretionary review. The Zoning Enforcement Official administers use classification questions and any required conditional use permit hearings.
Violations & Fines
Operating an Animal Grooming use outside a district that allows it, or exceeding the 48-hour boarding cap without the required Animal Boarding classification approval, is a zoning violation under Municipal Code Section 5.24.112. A first violation is chargeable as an infraction; a fourth violation within one year becomes a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to one year in county jail, or both, with each day of continued violation charged separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a San Leandro pet groomer need a conditional use permit?
Can a San Leandro pet groomer board dogs overnight?
What happens if a groomer exceeds the boarding limit or operates in the wrong zone?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Leandro
California rules heatmap·Compare San Leandro 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.
Pet Groomer Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle pet groomer rules.