Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Placer County, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified June 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.

City-specific rules exist: Roseville has its own pet limits rules that differ from Placer County's county-level regulations. If you live in Roseville, check the city-specific page instead.

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?
In RS and RM zones, up to four dogs, four cats, or a combination totaling four (animals four months or older). With an Administrative Review Permit for a private kennel/cattery you may keep up to eight.
Do I need a kennel license to breed dogs?
Yes. Under Chapter 6, a County kennel license is required for anyone who breeds or offers for sale more than two litters of dogs per year, or who boards or trains dogs, in addition to meeting the zoning animal-count limits.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Placer County

All Placer County rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Placer County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview

Get notified when Pet Limits in Placer County, CA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Pet Limits in Cities Across Placer County