Monterey, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Monterey City Code § 38-26(K)(3) requires a Pet Permit before keeping 'household pets' in numbers that do not rise to a kennel but exceed three animals. Any resident of a residential zone may apply to possess four or more dogs and/or cats, and the Community Development Director may issue the permit after a noticed public hearing, but only if all of the required findings are made: the lot is adequate in size and shape for the number and type of pets proposed, any structure built to house four or more pets meets the code's accessory-building requirements, the pets will not create a nuisance or disturbance to the neighborhood, adequate provisions exist for housing and waste disposal, and if more than three dogs are involved, adequate measures have been taken to prevent excessive barking noise.

Under § 38-26(K)(4), the permit runs for no more than one year, is subject to reopening at any time to address a pet-related complaint, and can be renewed by staff without a new hearing if immediate neighbors are notified and no complaints are received. If a nuisance or valid problem is confirmed, the permit is modified, revoked, or not renewed, and the owner must immediately cut the number of dogs and/or cats to below four. Decisions on Pet Permits are appealable under the chapter's general appeal provisions.

Separately, § 38-26(K)(1)-(2) caps an aviary at 25 birds and allows keeping up to four hens, rabbits or similar small animals or fowl outright, with a Use Permit required for five to ten, kept at least 40 feet from a dwelling on the property and 100 feet from other habitation, parks, schools or the property line.