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Animal Ordinances in Citrus Heights, CA (2026)

7 verified animal ordinances for Citrus Heights, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

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.

Animals: Chickens Backyard

Some Restrictions

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.

Animals: Dog Leash Laws

Heavy Restrictions

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.

Animals: Breed Restrictions

Few Restrictions

California Food and Agricultural Code Section 31683

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent a city or county from adopting or enforcing its own program for the control of potentially dangerous or vicious dogs that may incorporate all, part, or none of this chapter, or that may punish a violation of this chapter as a misdemeanor or may impose a more restrictive program to control potentially dangerous or vicious dogs. Except as prov...

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.

Animals: Beekeeping

Some Restrictions

California Food and Agricultural Code Section 29040 (Registration and Identification of Apiaries)

Every person that is the owner, broker, or is in possession of an apiary that is located within the state, on the first day of January of each year, shall register the number of colonies in each apiary that is owned or possessed by the person and the location of each apiary. Every person required to register under this article, shall do so on the first day of January of each year in which they ...

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.

Animals: Exotic Pets

Heavy Restrictions

Cal. Code Regs. tit. 14, § 671 (Restricted Species Permits)

Restricted Species Permits are required for every person who imports, exports, transports, or possesses any restricted animal listed in Section 671(c), Title 14, of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) (PDF) . Entitlements Fee Description Restricted Species Permit Application/Amendment New: $155.53 Renewal and Amendment: $80.60 Required for every new permit, permit renewal or amendment of a...

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.

Animals: Wildlife Feeding

Some Restrictions

California Department of Fish and Wildlife - Human-Wildlife Conflicts Toolkit

Human-Wildlife Conflicts Toolkit. Vision: To proactively address human-wildlife conflicts and improve wildlife incident responses; to support safe human-wildlife interactions; and to increase understanding, awareness and appreciation of wildlife in California. Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) can occur when humans encounter or interact with wild animals in an unwanted or unsafe way. In California,...

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.

Animals: Pet Limits

Some Restrictions

Looking for Sacramento County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Citrus Heights city rules.

Animal Ordinances in Sacramento County