Lodi, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)

010(A) to erect, establish or maintain any pet shop without first obtaining a permit from the city's community development director. The chapter defines a pet shop broadly in subsection B as any commercial establishment where live animals are sold or kept for sale or hire, meaning the permit requirement is not limited to storefronts that only sell dogs and cats. The permit is explicitly separate from and in addition to any other license or permit required elsewhere in the code, per subsection C, so a pet shop also needs its standard business tax certificate.

030 gives the community development director discretion over whether to grant the permit, directing consideration of the construction type as it relates to sanitation, how animals will be housed, and applicable zoning regulations. No permit may issue for a shop that does not comply with the zoning ordinance or other law, and the application must show that odor, noise, dust and drainage from the operation will not create a nuisance or hazard. 020 exempts animal shelters operated by an incorporated humane society from the chapter's annual license fee requirement.

040 sets the permit to run year to year, expiring every January 31st and requiring timely renewal to avoid delinquency charges set by council resolution.