Animal Ordinances in Ceres, CA (2026)
4 verified animal ordinances for Ceres, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Ceres bans livestock outright in its standard R-1 single-family zone. Backyard chickens, goats, horses and other farm animals are permitted only in the R-A Residential Agriculture zone, on one-acre-minimum lots, under a strict per-acre headcount and setback formula.
Ceres Livestock Rules for Residential Zones
Significant RestrictionsCeres Municipal Code § 18.07.020(C)
Farms and ranches for animal husbandry and livestock farming, provided:1.There be no more than one horse, mule, cow, steer, nor more than three goats, sheep or similar livestock, nor more than ten chickens, turkeys or similar fowl for each acre of lot area.2.The minimum lot size for such a use shall be one acre.3.There shall be no such animal and no pen, coop, stable, barn or corral within 20 f...
Breed Restrictions
Ceres does not single out any dog breed. Its Municipal Code declares an animal "dangerous" only for unprovoked attacks or aggressive conduct, then treats it as a public nuisance under Chapter 8.05: breed plays no part in the test.
Ceres Dangerous Dog Rules: No Breed Ban
Few RestrictionsCeres Municipal Code § 8.01.010
Dangerous animal means any of the following: A.Any animal seized under Penal Code section 599aa and upon the sustaining of a conviction of the owner under Penal Code section 597.5(a).B.Any animal which, when unprovoked, inflicts injury on or kills a human being.C.Any animal which, when unprovoked, engages in an aggressive conduct requiring defensive action by any person to avoid bodily injur...
Beekeeping
Ceres allows apiaries by right only in the R-A Residential Agriculture zone on one-acre-minimum lots. Standard R-1 single-family lots ban livestock and any animal not classified as a household pet, so backyard beekeeping is off-limits there.
Ceres Bees Allowed Only in Ag Zone
Significant RestrictionsCeres Municipal Code § 18.07.020
The following uses shall be permitted by right: A.Single-family dwellings.B.Farms and ranches for orchards, tree crops, field crops, row crops, berry and bush crops, flower gardening, production and wholesale nurseries, aviaries.C.Farms and ranches for animal husbandry and livestock farming, provided:1.There be no more than one horse, mule, cow, steer, nor more than three goats, sheep or sim...
Pet Limits
Ceres households can keep up to three domestic animals, dogs, cats, or other pets, before triggering the City's kennel permit and license requirement, which applies at four or more dogs six weeks or older.
Ceres Caps Pets at Three Without a Kennel Permit
Some Restrictions§ 8.04.010
The number of domestic animals permitted within the City which does not require a land use (kennel) permit or kennel license shall be the keeping of three or less domestic animals defined under section 08.01.01.