How Citrus Heights Handles Animal Ordinances: A Practical Guide

Citrus Heights maintains 113 local ordinances across all categories, and 7 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.

Pet Limits

Citrus Heights residential properties are typically limited to 4 dogs and 4 cats per household under Sacramento County standards, with additional animals requiring a kennel or cattery permit. Puppies and kittens under 4 months are typically not counted toward limits.

Key details: Dog Limit: 4 over 4 months. Cat Limit: 4 over 4 months. Exemption Age: Under 4 months. Kennel Permit: Required above limit. License Required: All dogs over 4 months.

Excess animals without kennel permit: $100 first, $250 second, $500 third. Unlicensed dog: $30-$75.

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.

Dog Leash Laws

All dogs in Citrus Heights must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet when off the owner's property. Sacramento County Code §9.36 applies within city limits and is enforced by Sacramento County Animal Services. Dogs may be off-leash only at designated dog parks such as C-Bar-C Park's off-leash area.

Key details: Max Leash: 6 feet. Code Section: Sac County §9.36.061. Off-Leash Area: C-Bar-C Park designated area. Impound: Bradshaw Animal Shelter. First Fine: $50 + fees.

First offense: $50 plus impound fees. Second: $100. Third: $500. Dog bites or aggressive at-large: potential dangerous dog hearing.

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.

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.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Citrus Heights gives residents more flexibility on breed restrictions.

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.

Chickens & Livestock

Backyard chickens are allowed in most residential zones of Citrus Heights subject to coop setback and number limits. Typical allowances are 4-6 hens on standard residential lots, no roosters, with coops set back at least 10 feet from property lines and 25 feet from dwellings on adjacent parcels.

Key details: Typical Limit: 4-6 hens. Roosters: Prohibited in residential. Coop Setback: 10 ft from line. Dwelling Distance: 25 ft from neighbor home. Slaughter: Prohibited residential.

Excess hens or roosters: $100 first, $200 second, $500 third. Odor/rodent nuisance: abatement order.

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 is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Citrus Heights, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

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.