Placer County, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- RS / RM zones
- 4 dogs/cats max (8 with ARP kennel permit)
- -AG zone
- 6 max (12 with ARP kennel permit)
- RA / RF (<4.6 ac)
- 6 max (15 with ARP, >15 with MUP)
- AE / F zones
- 15 max (25 with ARP kennel permit)
- Age counted
- Animals 4 months and older
- Code section
- Placer County Code 17.56.050(F)(16)-(17)
Summary
Placer County zoning Section 17.56.050(F)(16) limits households to four dogs, four cats, or a combination of four in RS and RM residential zones; up to eight is allowed with a private kennel/cattery permit. Limits rise to six (and more with permits) in agricultural and forest zones.
Residential Single-Family (RS) and Residential Multifamily (RM) Zones. In the RS and RM zone districts, the keeping of no more than four dogs, four cats or a combination of such animals (four months of age or older) not to exceed a total of four, is allowed... However, up to eight dogs, eight cats or a combination of such animals (four months of age or older) not to exceed a total of eight, may be permitted subject to an Administrative Review Permit for a private kennel/cattery first being approved. Commercial kennels/catteries are not permitted.
Full Breakdown
050(F)(16). In the RS (Residential Single-Family) and RM (Residential Multi-Family) zones, a household may keep no more than four dogs, four cats, or a combination not exceeding four total (animals four months of age or older). Up to eight may be permitted with an Administrative Review Permit for a private kennel/cattery; commercial kennels/catteries are not allowed in these zones. In the -AG combining zone, the base limit is six (up to 12 with a private kennel permit). 6 acres, the base limit is six (up to 15 with an Administrative Review Permit, and more than 15 with a Minor Use Permit).
On AE (Agricultural Exclusive) and F (Farm) parcels, the base limit is 15 (up to 25 with a private kennel permit). The combined total of dogs and cats may not exceed the zone's maximum regardless of whether the animals are pets, breeding, or show animals, unless a kennel permit is obtained. A 'kennel' under Chapter 6 also triggers a County kennel license for anyone who breeds or offers for sale more than two litters of dogs per year or who boards/trains dogs.
Violations & Fines
Keeping more dogs or cats than the zone allows without the required Administrative Review Permit or Minor Use Permit is a zoning violation subject to abatement under Article 17.62. Operating an unlicensed kennel is also unlawful under Chapter 6 (Section 6.08.010(E) and 6.12.040).
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dogs and cats can I have in a residential Placer County neighborhood?
Do I need a kennel license to breed dogs?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Placer County
California rules heatmap·Compare Placer County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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