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

Q: How many dogs can I keep in a Yuba County residential zone?

Up to 4 dogs over four months old per unit in RS, RM, and RH zones without needing a permit.

Q: Can rural properties in Yuba County keep more dogs?

Yes: up to 6 dogs on rural parcels under 5 acres, or up to 8 on parcels 5 acres or larger, before a hobby-kennel permit is required.

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

RS/RM/RH cap: 4 dogs per unit
Rural <5 acres: 6 dogs by right
Rural ≥5 acres: 8 dogs by right
Above cap: Hobby-kennel permit required

Summary

Unincorporated Yuba County caps dogs over four months old at 4 per unit in RS, RM, and RH zones, 6 on smaller rural parcels, and 8 on larger rural parcels before a hobby-kennel permit kicks in.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Yuba County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

b.Dogs. The keeping of dogs and similar animals (pygmy goats, pot-bellied pigs, etc.) for personal purposes (pets)...is permitted in all zone districts that allow for a residence... The number of dogs and similar animals permitted is based on the zone district as identified in Table 11.32.050(5)b... RS, RM, RH (per unit) Up to 4 None... less than 5 acres in size Up to 6 None... greater than 5 acres in size Up to 8 None

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 6).

Full Breakdown

Yuba County's Development Code sets by-right dog limits that scale with zoning and lot size. In the RS, RM, and RH residential districts, each unit may keep up to 4 dogs over four months old without a permit; 5 to 8 requires a hobby-kennel administrative use permit. Rural parcels under 5 acres (RE, AR, RR, RC, AI, AE, TPZ, RPR) may keep up to 6 by right, with 7 to 15 needing a hobby-kennel permit. Parcels of 5 acres or more may keep up to 8 by right. Similar animals like pygmy goats and pot-bellied pigs count under the same table, and dogs are limited to one litter per 12 months regardless of how many are kept.

Violations & Fines

Keeping more dogs than the zone's by-right limit without a hobby-kennel administrative use permit is a zoning violation; exceeding hobby-kennel caps requires a commercial kennel permit from Environmental Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many dogs can I keep in a Yuba County residential zone?

Up to 4 dogs over four months old per unit in RS, RM, and RH zones without needing a permit.

Can rural properties in Yuba County keep more dogs?

Yes: up to 6 dogs on rural parcels under 5 acres, or up to 8 on parcels 5 acres or larger, before a hobby-kennel permit is required.

Sources & Official References

[1]Yuba County Code of Ordinances (Municode)

Other rules in Yuba County

Dog Leash LawsSome Restrictions Chickens & LivestockSome Restrictions Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSignificant Restrictions Mandatory Spay/NeuterSome Restrictions MicrochippingLight Restrictions Wildlife Rescue PermitsSignificant Restrictions Veterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant Restrictions Breed RestrictionsSome Restrictions Cat RulesLight Restrictions Exotic PetsHeavy Restrictions Pet Store RulesSome Restrictions BeekeepingSignificant Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions Landscaping Rules: Native PlantsSome Restrictions Landscaping Rules: Weed OrdinancesSome Restrictions

All Yuba County rules

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

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