How Concord Handles Animal Ordinances: A Practical Guide
Concord 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 Concord falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Livestock
Livestock including cattle, horses, goats, sheep, and swine are generally prohibited in Concord's residential zoning districts. Livestock are allowed only in limited agricultural or large-lot residential zones with minimum lot size and setback requirements. Swine are prohibited citywide outside of approved agricultural uses.
Key details: Residential Zones: Livestock prohibited in standard R-6/R-10/R-20. Minimum Lot Size: Typically 1+ acre for livestock. Stable Setback: 50 ft property line / 100 ft dwelling. Swine: Prohibited citywide outside ag zones. Right to Farm: CA Civil Code §3482.5.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Compared to other cities, Concord takes a harder line on livestock. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Wildlife Feeding
Wildlife in Concord is protected under California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) regulations. Feeding of wildlife such as deer, raccoons, coyotes, and wild turkeys is discouraged and may be prohibited where it creates public safety nuisances. Injured or sick wildlife should be reported to CDFW or Lindsay Wildlife Experience in nearby Walnut Creek.
Key details: State Authority: CA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Restricted Species: 14 CCR §671. Take Prohibition: CA Fish & Game Code §2000. Rehabilitation: Lindsay Wildlife Experience (Walnut Creek). Local Enforcement: Police/Code Enforcement for nuisances.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Beekeeping
Beekeeping is allowed in Concord on residential lots subject to setback and hive count limits. Hives must be registered with the Contra Costa County Agricultural Commissioner under California Food & Agricultural Code §29040. Typical rules require hives set back from property lines and a water source on-site to keep bees from neighboring yards.
Key details: Registration: CA Food & Ag Code §29040 (County Ag Commissioner). Typical Hive Limit: 2 hives on lots under 10,000 sq ft. Setback: ~5 ft property line, flyway barrier if <25 ft. Water Source: Required on-site. County Authority: Contra Costa County Department of Agriculture.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Breed Restrictions
Dangerous or vicious dog designations in Concord are determined under California Food & Agricultural Code §31601 et seq. by Contra Costa County Animal Services following a behavior-based hearing. California Food & Agricultural Code §31683 preempts breed-specific legislation, so designations rely exclusively on documented aggressive behavior.
Key details: State Law: CA Food & Ag Code §§31601–31683. Breed Ban Preemption: CA Food & Ag Code §31683. Designations: Potentially Dangerous / Vicious. Hearing Authority: Contra Costa County Animal Services. Core Requirements: Secure enclosure, muzzle/leash, signage, registration.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is one of the stricter rules in Concord's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Pet Limits
Concord generally allows up to 3 dogs and 3 cats per single-family residence without a kennel or cattery permit. Households exceeding these limits require a special permit from Contra Costa County Animal Services. Multi-family dwellings may have stricter limits through HOA rules or lease terms.
Key details: Standard Limit: 3 dogs + 3 cats per residence. Kennel/Cattery Threshold: 4+ dogs or cats requires permit. Service Animals: Exempt under ADA/FEHA. Enforcement: Contra Costa County Animal Services. Code Section: CMC Chapter 6 / County Animal Services.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Chickens & Livestock
Backyard chickens are permitted in Concord on residential lots, typically limited to 4–6 hens with no roosters allowed. Coops must be set back from property lines and maintained in sanitary condition. Slaughter on-site is generally prohibited and roosters are banned due to noise concerns.
Key details: Hen Limit: Typically 4–6 per residential lot. Roosters: Prohibited. Coop Setback: ~10 ft property line / 25 ft dwelling. Slaughter: Prohibited on residential lots. Code Section: CMC Title 18 / Chapter 6.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Dog Leash Laws
Concord requires all dogs over four months old to be licensed annually through Contra Costa County Animal Services. Dogs must be leashed (maximum six feet) whenever off the owner's property, except in designated off-leash areas. Proof of current rabies vaccination is required for licensing.
Key details: License Required: Dogs over 4 months old, annual renewal. Leash Max Length: 6 feet off owner's property. Provider: Contra Costa County Animal Services. Off-Leash Park: Paso Nogal Dog Park. State Authority: CA Food & Ag Code §30801; H&S Code §121690.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Exotic Pets
Exotic pets in Concord are governed by California Code of Regulations Title 14 §671, which lists restricted species prohibited as pets without a state permit. Restricted species include many non-native birds, reptiles, and mammals. Concord defers to CDFW for exotic species enforcement and does not issue local exceptions.
Key details: Primary Rule: 14 CCR §671 (restricted species list). Permit Authority: California Department of Fish and Wildlife. State Statute: CA Fish & Game Code §2118. Banned Examples: Ferrets, primates, large constrictors. Allowed Examples: Ball pythons, bearded dragons, hedgehogs.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is one of the stricter rules in Concord's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
The Bottom Line
Concord is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 8 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Concord, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
This guide is based on Concord's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.