Chico, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Max dogs per address
- 3, over 3 months old
- Cat limit
- no numeric cap
- 4+ dogs triggers
- kennel permit
- Counted by
- street address
Summary
Chico caps household dogs at three per residence address; keeping a fourth dog turns the property into a 'kennel' requiring a separate city permit.
Dogs. No more than three dogs over the age of three months shall be kept or maintained at any one place of residence, as designated by a single street address number in the City.
C. Bees. The keeping of honey bees is permitted in the RS and R1 zoning districts as a form of small animal keeping subject to the following standards to minimize impacts to nearby residents or the public:
1. A maximum of one hive shall be allowed for each ten thousand (10,000) square feet of lot area;
2. Hive(s) shall be registered with the Butte County Agricultural Commissioner;
3. An adequate fresh water supply shall be available for the bees on the subject parcel at all times;
4. The location of the hive(s) shall not be less than 100 feet from any public right-of-way or any occupied structure other than that of the occupant of the subject parcel.
5. All hive(s) shall be located at least six feet above ground, or an adequate flight dispersing barrier, such as a fence or landscaping of at least six feet in height, must be constructed and maintained around the hive(s); and
6. The hive(s) shall be maintained in compliance with state law and kept free of diseases and pests.
D. Offensive Animals. No persons shall keep, maintain, or have in their possession on any property owned or controlled by them any household pets or any other animals in a manner, number, or kind so as to cause damage or hazard
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 § 19.76.040(B) sets the residential pet limit: no more than three dogs over three months old may be kept at any one place of residence, counted by street address rather than by owner. There's no separate numeric cap on cats in this section, but § 19.76.040(D)'s 'Offensive Animals' clause still bars keeping any number of pets in a way that causes damage, hazard, or offensive noise or odor. Keep four or more dogs at one address and the property meets the § 7.24.020(J) definition of a 'kennel,' which triggers a Chapter 7.24 kennel permit instead of the household limit.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the three-dog limit is enforceable as a zoning violation; operating an unpermitted kennel at four-plus dogs is unlawful under § 7.24.040.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dogs can I legally have in Chico?
Is there a limit on cats 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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