Animal Ordinances in Hayward, CA (2026)
10 verified animal ordinances for Hayward, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Hayward lets households keep up to four hens, ducks, pigeons, or rabbits with a Zoning Conformance Permit under Section 10-1.2735(i), so long as the lot is at least 4,000 square feet and the coop sits 5 feet from the property line and 6 feet from any dwelling. Raising cows, horses, or other large livestock takes a 20,000-square-foot lot and stricter 20-foot and 40-foot setbacks.
Hayward Backyard Chicken and Livestock Rules
Some RestrictionsHayward Municipal Code Sec. 10-1.2735(i)
(a)For large and medium livestock, the minimum lot area shall be 20,000 square feet;(b)For exotic animals, poultry or other birds, the minimum lot area shall be 4,000 square feet, or greater, depending on the species of the animal, as determined by the Planning Director.(b)Fowl: In no case shall hens, ducks, pigeons, or other small fowl be kept on a parcel that is less than 4,000 square feet in...
Dog Leash Laws
Hayward requires every dog off its owner's property to be under a leash, chain or similar restraint no longer than six feet, or under a competent handler's effective control. Running a dog loose on any public street, park or sidewalk violates Section 4-4.13, and Hayward Police can impound it under Section 4-4.40.
Hayward Dog Leash and At-Large Law
Some RestrictionsHayward, CA, Municipal Code §§ 4-4.13, 4-4.01(b)
b. At-Large. "At-Large" shall mean the condition wherein an animal is off the premises of its owner and is not under secure restraint by a substantial leash, chain, halter, rope, or rein, not to exceed six (6) feet in length, or is not otherwise under the charge and control of a person competent to keep such animal under effective charge and control... SEC. 4-4.13 - ANIMALS AT-LARGE ON PUBLIC P...
Breed Restrictions
Hayward has no breed-specific ban: a dog of any breed can be declared 'potentially dangerous' or 'dangerous' only after it actually bites, attacks, or threatens someone under Sections 4-4.49 and 4-4.50. Owners get written notice, a hearing within 15 days, and can face conditions from muzzling to euthanasia.
Hayward Dangerous Animal Declaration Process
Significant RestrictionsHayward, CA, Municipal Code §§ 4-4.49, 4-4.50, 4-4.01(g)
g. Dangerous Animal Definition. "Dangerous Animal" shall mean any animal, except one (1) assisting a peace officer engaged in law enforcement duties, which demonstrates any of the following behavior: (1) Any animal that has killed or caused the death of another domestic animal; (2) An unprovoked attack which results in property damage or in an injury to a person... SEC. 4-4.50 - DANGEROUS ANIMA...
Beekeeping
Hayward allows backyard beekeeping under Municipal Code Section 10-1.2735(i), but the lot needs at least 4,000 square feet and hive counts are capped at two colonies on any parcel under 40,000 square feet and zero on a parcel under 4,000 square feet. Hives generally need a Zoning Conformance Permit, a six-foot solid fence along nearby property lines, and can trigger a neighbor notice within 100 feet.
Hayward Backyard Beekeeping Rules
Some RestrictionsHayward Municipal Code Sec. 10-1.2735(i)
(a)For apiaries, the minimum lot area shall be 4,000 square feet.(c)Apiaries: For apiaries, in no case shall the number of hives exceed two for a parcel which is less than 40,000 square feet in size or zero for a parcel which is less than 4,000 square feet in size.Beehives and all structures for the housing of household pets, including chicken coops, shall be located not less than 5 feet from a...
Exotic Pets
California restricts exotic pets via Title 14 CCR 671. Ferrets, most primates, large cats, and venomous reptiles are prohibited. Hayward enforces state law plus HMC Chapter 6.
Hayward Exotic Pet Rules
Some RestrictionsCal. Code Regs. tit. 14, sec. 671 (Restricted Species Permits - exotic/detrimental animals)
Issued to any resident who has demonstrated the experience and ability to house animals designated as a detrimental species, and who legally possessed the animal in California prior to January 1992. The permittee may only possess and provide care for the animal(s) specifically listed on their Department approved permit inventory. No other activity is authorized except that which is medically ne...
Pet Limits
Hayward caps households at four dogs four months or older before a Dog Fancier Permit is required. The Chief of Police issues the permit annually only after inspecting the property, and can order fencing to protect neighbors from the impacts of keeping more dogs.
Hayward Dog Fancier Permit Pet Limit
Some RestrictionsHayward, CA, Municipal Code § 4-4.30
SEC. 4-4.30 - DOG FANCIER PERMIT. No more than four (4) dogs four (4) months of age or older can be kept on any property unless a Dog Fancier Permit is obtained from the Chief of Police... The issuance of the Dog Fancier Permit shall take place on an annual basis only after inspection of the property described in the application... The Chief of Police may require the installation and maintenanc...
Cat Rules
Hayward is unusual for exempting cats outright from its leash and at-large law: Sections 4-4.13 and 4-4.14 apply only to 'any animal, other than a cat.' Cats aren't licensed either, but a trapped stray or feral cat still triggers the same impoundment notice as any other stray animal.
Hayward Cat At-Large and Trapping Rules
Few RestrictionsHayward, CA, Municipal Code §§ 4-4.13, 4-4.41(c)
It shall be unlawful for the owner of any animal, other than a cat, to allow or permit such animal, whether licensed or unlicensed, to be or run at-large upon any public property within the City... Every person taking custody of: ...c. Any cat, domestic or wild, by means of trapping or and other method of impounding; shall within eight (8) hours of taking custody give notice to the Chief of Pol...
Pet Groomer Rules
Hayward classifies a pet grooming shop as a retail commercial use and caps how long a groomer can board animals on site. Municipal Code Section 10-1.3510 defines the use to include only temporary boarding of animals being groomed, less than 24 hours, and the Zoning Ordinance's district use tables set out exactly where the business can open.
Hayward Pet Grooming Shop Zoning Rules
Some RestrictionsHayward, CA, Municipal Code § 10-1.3510 (Pet Grooming Shop definition)
PET GROOMING SHOP. An establishment which provides a grooming service of household pets to the public for a fee. Typically includes washing, hair trimming, and temporary boarding of animals being groomed (i.e., less than 24 hours).
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
Hayward zoning treats a veterinary clinic as an 'Animal Hospital,' defined at Section 10-1.3510 as any building used for care, observation, or treatment of pets with incidental boarding. Table 2.3.010.A permits one by right in Light Industrial (IL) zones, but Downtown Zones require a Conditional Use Permit in the UN zone and an Administrative Use Permit in DT-MS and UC, with no path at all in NE, NG, or UN-L.
Hayward Animal Hospital Zoning Rules
Some RestrictionsHayward, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 10-1.3510; Table 2.3.010.A (Sec. 10-28.2.3.010)
ANIMAL HOSPITAL. Any buildings or portion thereof designed or used for the care, observation or treatment of cats, dogs or other household pets, with incidental boarding. (Also referred to as Veterinary Hospital) ... Table 2.3.010.A Allowed Uses in Downtown Zones Land Use Type Specific to Use Regulations Permit Required by Zone NE NG UN UN-L DT-MS UC ... Animal Hospital - - C - A A
Bird Protection
Hayward requires all tree work, whether routine pruning or removal under the city's Tree Preservation Ordinance, to protect nesting birds under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and California Fish and Wildlife Code Sections 3503-3513. Tree crews must avoid the February-through-August breeding season when feasible, and any work near the San Francisco Bay tidal marsh is confined to September through February.
Hayward Nesting Bird Protection Rules
Some RestrictionsHayward, CA Municipal Code Sec. 10-15.16 (Nesting Birds)
All tree work shall comply with the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act as well as California Fish and Wildlife Code Sections 3503-3513, as amended, to not disturb nesting birds. To the extent feasible tree pruning and removal should be scheduled outside of the breeding season from February to August. A nesting bird survey shall be conducted prior to performing any sitework during the nesting sea...
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