Marin County, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Dog Limit Code
- Marin County Code § 8.04.185
- Kennel Threshold
- 6 or more household pets 4 months+ (Title 22)
- Definition Source
- Marin County Development Code, Title 22
- Permit Required Above Threshold
- Use Permit (Chapter 22.32)
- Enforcement
- Marin Humane / Community Development Agency
Summary
Marin County Code § 8.04.185 establishes a limitation on the number of dogs per household. Under the Title 22 Development Code, keeping six or more household pets four months or older constitutes a 'kennel' subject to discretionary permitting.
Kennels and Animal Boarding. Regulates the keeping of six or more household pets at least four months of age or older. Household Pets. Permits the keeping of cats, dogs, and other domesticated animals determined by the Director to be comparable.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 2026 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Marin County Code § 8.04.185 (Limitation on Number of Dogs) is enforced as an infraction under the County Bail Schedule. Separately, the Marin County Development Code (Title 22) defines a 'kennel' (Kennels and Animal Boarding) as the keeping of six or more household pets at least four months of age or older – meaning households exceeding that threshold require a use permit under Chapter 22.32 (Standards for Specific Land Uses) and are restricted to zones permitting that use. Within the unincorporated area, 'household pets' is defined to include cats, dogs, and other domesticated animals determined comparable by the Director of the Community Development Agency.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the dog limit under § 8.04.185 is an infraction subject to fine under the Marin County Bail Schedule. Operating a kennel without the required use permit under Title 22 is a separate zoning violation that may result in abatement, fines, and a requirement to reduce the number of animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dogs can I have in unincorporated Marin County?
What counts as a 'household pet'?
Do I need a permit to run a small breeding or boarding operation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Marin County
California rules heatmap·Compare Marin County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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