How Citrus Heights Handles Animal Ordinances: A Practical Guide
Citrus Heights maintains 53 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with animal ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Citrus Heights falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Wildlife Feeding
Intentional feeding of wild animals including coyotes, raccoons, deer, wild turkeys, and feral cats is discouraged in Citrus Heights and may constitute a public nuisance. California Fish & Game Code §251.1 prohibits harassment of wildlife, and feeding that creates a public safety issue can be abated under local nuisance authority.
Key details: Coyote Feeding: Prohibited nuisance. Deer Feeding: CDFW discouraged. Bird Feeders: Allowed if managed. TNR Cats: Supported by county. Fine Range: $100-$500.
Nuisance feeding: $100 first, $250 second, $500 third. Abatement ordered for ongoing issues.
Beekeeping
Beekeeping in Citrus Heights is permitted on residential lots subject to Sacramento County apiary siting standards and California Food & Agricultural Code §29040 registration with the county agricultural commissioner. Hives must be set back from property lines and provided with water to prevent neighbor conflicts.
Key details: Registration: Annual, F&A §29040. Typical Limit: 2 hives on small lots. Setback: 5 ft from property line. Flyway Barrier: 6 ft within 25 ft of neighbor. Honey Sales: Cottage Food Law AB 1616.
Unregistered apiary: $100+ per CDFA schedule. Nuisance hive (aggressive, no water): abatement order.
If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Citrus Heights gives residents more flexibility on beekeeping.
Breed Restrictions
Citrus Heights cannot ban or restrict specific dog breeds. California Food & Agricultural Code §31683 preempts all local breed-specific legislation statewide. Dangerous dog designations are behavior-based only and follow state procedures under F&A Code §31601 et seq.
Key details: State Preemption: F&A Code §31683. Local Bans: Prohibited. Spay/Neuter by Breed: Allowed (H&S §122331). Dangerous Dog: Behavior-based, F&A §31601. HOAs/Landlords: May still restrict.
No breed-based violations. Behavior-based dangerous dog hearings result in containment orders, muzzling requirements, liability insurance, or euthanasia for vicious designations.
Exotic Pets
California Fish and Game Code §2116-2126 and Title 14 CCR §671 prohibit possession of a broad list of exotic and wild animals statewide, including ferrets, hedgehogs, monkeys, large cats, most non-native reptiles, and many bird species. Citrus Heights follows this state framework without additional local permits for restricted species.
Key details: Primary Law: 14 CCR §671. Ferrets: Illegal statewide. Hedgehogs: Illegal statewide. Primates: Illegal as pets. Enforcement: CDFW + Sac Animal Services.
Misdemeanor: up to 6 months jail, $1,000 fine per animal, plus animal forfeiture and relocation costs.
This is one of the stricter rules in Citrus Heights's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
The Bottom Line
Citrus Heights's animal ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Citrus Heights is broadly strict or permissive.
All of the above reflects Citrus Heights's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.