Novato, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Two sections work together. Section 3-1.26 in the animal control chapter makes it unlawful for any person to keep or harbor more than the number of animals permitted by Chapter 19 of the Novato Municipal Code on any lot, premises, dwelling, building, structure, boat or living accommodation. The number itself sits in the Zoning Ordinance at § 19.34.060 (Animal Keeping), which says animal keeping is allowed in any residential zoning district subject to its provisions.

Table 3-14 (Animal-Keeping Standards) prints the household pet row with three value columns: Maximum Number of Animals per Site, Minimum Lot Area and Minimum Setbacks. For household pets, defined in the table as including cats, dogs, pot belly pigs (less than 80 pounds) and other non-poisonous small animals, the maximum is 5 or less where allowed in compliance with Table 3-13, with no minimum lot area and no minimum setback. Table 3-13 prints 'Household pets - 5 or fewer total' as a permitted use (P) in all seven listed districts: A, RR, RVL, R1, R4/R5, R10 and R20. Its key says a P use is permitted only in accordance with the standards of Table 3-14, with no City approval required. Footnote (1) to Table 3-14 allows offspring in addition to the maximum number until weaned.

Other animals carry their own lines. Small animals such as chinchilla, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, rodents and birds not raised for commercial purposes are listed at 12 or less with a 10 foot setback. Fowl and poultry are listed at 12 or less on at least 5,000 square feet with a 10 foot setback, and roosters, quacking ducks, geese, guinea fowl and peafowl are not allowed. A kennel or boarding operation needs a use permit in several districts and is not allowed in others.

Dog keeping has a second layer. Chapter III defines a dog hobbyist as someone keeping four or more dogs on a residential lot for personal, recreational and noncommercial purposes under a permit from the animal services agency, and § 3-1.36(a) says no hobbyist permit issues unless the activity also complies with the Chapter 19 land use requirements. Section 19.34.060 further requires animal keeping to meet the noise standards of § 19.22.060 and the odor and vector control standards printed in the same section.