Animal Ordinances in Concord, CA (2026)
8 verified animal ordinances for Concord, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Animals: Chickens Backyard
Some RestrictionsDog 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.
Animals: Dogs Leash License
Some RestrictionsBreed 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.
Animals: Dangerous Dogs
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Food and Agricultural Code § 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 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.
Animals: Beekeeping
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Food and Agricultural Code § 29040
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
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.
Animals: Exotic Pets
Heavy RestrictionsCal. Code Regs. tit. 14, § 671 (CDFW 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
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.
Animals: Wildlife
Some RestrictionsLivestock
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.
Animals: Livestock
Heavy RestrictionsPet 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.
Animals: Pet Limits
Some RestrictionsLooking for Contra Costa County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Concord city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Contra Costa County →