How Brentwood Handles Animal Ordinances: A Practical Guide
Brentwood maintains 85 local ordinances across all categories, and 8 of those deal specifically with animal ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Brentwood falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Livestock
Brentwood's agricultural heritage is reflected in the Municipal Code: livestock including horses, cattle, sheep, and goats are permitted on parcels zoned A (Agricultural) and in residential zones meeting minimum lot size and setback requirements. Right-to-Farm protections under California Civil Code §3482.5 apply to established ag operations.
Key details: Agricultural zones: A-20, A-40, A-80. Minimum parcel (residential): ~20,000 sq ft typical. Setback: ~50 ft from neighbor's home. Right to Farm: CA Civil Code §3482.5. Oversight: CCC Agricultural Commissioner.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The rules around livestock in Brentwood lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
Pet Limits
Brentwood residential properties are typically limited to 3-4 dogs and similar numbers of cats per household under BMC Chapter 6.04 and Contra Costa County Code. Exceeding the limit requires a kennel permit. Agricultural-zoned parcels generally have no pet-number limits.
Key details: Typical dog limit: 3-4 adult dogs. Typical cat limit: 3-4 adult cats. Kennel threshold: 5+ dogs (permit required). Ag zones: No numeric limit. Enforcement: CCAS + Code Enforcement.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Breed Restrictions
Brentwood enforces Contra Costa County's behavior-based dangerous and vicious dog ordinance through Animal Services. Any dog that bites, attacks, or threatens a person or animal can be declared Potentially Dangerous or Vicious, triggering mandatory containment, muzzle, insurance, and microchip requirements. California law preempts breed-specific bans.
Key details: Authority: Contra Costa Animal Services. State preemption: CA Food & Ag Code §31683. Potentially Dangerous: Secure enclosure + muzzle + insurance. Vicious: May be destroyed. Annual fee: ~$100+.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is one of the stricter rules in Brentwood's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Beekeeping
Beekeeping is permitted in Brentwood on agricultural and most residential lots, with hive setback requirements from property lines and registration with the Contra Costa County Agricultural Commissioner under California Food & Ag Code §29040. Brentwood's orchard agriculture makes beekeeping especially compatible.
Key details: Ag zones: No hive limit. Residential limit: Typically 2-4 hives. Setback: 10-20 ft from property line. State registration: CCC Ag Commissioner (§29040). Water source: Required on-property.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Brentwood gives residents more flexibility on beekeeping.
Chickens & Livestock
Backyard chickens are permitted in Brentwood on most residential lots, with limits commonly of 4-6 hens, no roosters, and coop setbacks from neighboring structures. Agricultural-zoned parcels have no hen limit. Under BMC Title 17, coops must be kept sanitary and meet setback requirements from property lines.
Key details: Residential limit: ~4-6 hens typical. Roosters: Prohibited in residential. Coop setback (structures): ~15-25 ft. Coop setback (property line): ~5-10 ft. Ag zones: No hen limit, roosters OK.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The rules around chickens & livestock in Brentwood lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
Dog Leash Laws
All dogs in Brentwood over 4 months old must be licensed through Contra Costa Animal Services and wear a current rabies tag. Dogs must be leashed in all public areas except designated off-leash areas, under BMC Chapter 6.04 and Contra Costa County Code Title 4.
Key details: License age: 4 months+. Altered license: ~$20/year. Unaltered license: ~$50+/year. Leash length: Max 6 ft in public. Off-leash area: Brentwood Dog Park at Sunset Park.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Wildlife Feeding
Wildlife in Brentwood (deer, coyotes, turkeys, raccoons, hawks, and mountain lions in nearby Los Vaqueros Watershed) is protected under state law and managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Feeding wildlife is prohibited, and most species cannot be trapped or relocated without a CDFW depredation permit.
Key details: Agency: CDFW. Feeding wildlife: Prohibited. Trapping: Requires CDFW permit. Rehabilitation: Lindsay Wildlife Experience. Protected birds: Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Exotic Pets
California bans most exotic pets statewide under Title 14 CCR §671, which preempts local ordinances. Prohibited species include ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, monkeys, large constrictors, and most wild species. Brentwood enforces these state restrictions through Contra Costa Animal Services.
Key details: State authority: 14 CCR §671. Banned: Ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, monkeys. Permitted: Most captive-bred reptiles, small rodents. Enforcement: CCAS + CDFW. Fines: $500-$10,000+.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Compared to other cities, Brentwood takes a harder line on exotic pets. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
The Bottom Line
Compared to many U.S. cities, Brentwood gives residents more room on animal ordinances. 3 of the 8 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.
This guide is based on Brentwood's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.