How Fremont Handles Animal Ordinances: A Practical Guide
Fremont maintains 125 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 Fremont falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Dog Leash Laws
Fremont requires dogs to be leashed in all public areas under FMC Chapter 6, with designated off-leash dog parks as the only exception.
Key details: Leash Length: 6 feet maximum. Off-Leash: Dog parks only. License Fee: 20 dollars altered. First Fine: 50 dollars. Waste Fine: 100 dollars.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Livestock
Livestock including goats, sheep, horses, and cattle are restricted to agricultural and rural residential zones in Fremont under FMC Chapter 18.
Key details: Zones: Agricultural, Rural. Horse Minimum: 1 acre for 2. Pigs: Generally prohibited. Stable Setback: 50 feet dwelling. Manure: RWQCB runoff rules.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is one of the stricter rules in Fremont's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Wildlife Feeding
Fremont prohibits intentional feeding of deer, coyotes, raccoons, and other wildlife under FMC Chapter 6 to prevent habituation and property damage.
Key details: Prohibited: Deer, coyotes, raccoons. First Fine: 100 dollars. Pet Food: Remove after feeding. High Conflict: Mission Peak area. Bird Feeding: Generally allowed.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Chickens & Livestock
Fremont allows up to 6 hens on residential parcels under FMC Chapter 18, with coop setback requirements and no roosters permitted.
Key details: Hen Limit: 6 hens. Roosters: Prohibited. Setback: 10 feet property line. Dwelling Setback: 25 feet. Livestock: Agricultural zones only.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Breed Restrictions
Fremont does not restrict dogs by breed due to California Food and Agricultural Code 31683 preempting breed-specific legislation statewide.
Key details: Breed Bans: Prohibited by state. State Law: CA F and A 31683. Dangerous Dog: Case by case. HOA Rules: May restrict. Insurance: Private restrictions.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The rules around breed restrictions in Fremont lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
Beekeeping
Fremont permits residential beekeeping with hive setback and water source requirements, aligned with California Food and Agricultural Code.
Key details: Standard Setback: 20 feet. With Barrier: 5 feet. Density: 2 hives per 5,000 sq ft. Water Source: Required. Registration: County annually.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Exotic Pets
Fremont prohibits exotic and wild animals under California Code of Regulations Title 14 Section 671 and FMC Chapter 6, preempting most exotics.
Key details: Governing Rule: 14 CCR 671. Ferrets: Illegal statewide. Hedgehogs: Illegal statewide. Venomous Reptiles: Prohibited. Max Fine: 1,000 dollars.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Fremont actively enforces its exotic pets requirements.
The Bottom Line
Fremont 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 Fremont, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
These rules come from Fremont's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.