Animal Ordinances in Hayward, CA (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Hayward, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Hayward allows backyard chickens in most residential zones with setbacks. Roosters are prohibited due to noise. Larger livestock require agricultural or large-lot zoning.
Hayward Chickens and Livestock Rules
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Hayward requires dogs to be leashed (max 6 feet) in all public places. Off-leash use is permitted only in designated dog parks, primarily Hayward Dog Park at Memorial Park.
Hayward Dog Leash Laws
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Hayward imposes no breed bans. CA Food and Ag Code 31683 preempts breed-specific legislation, though spay/neuter mandates are allowed. Dangerous dog rules apply by behavior, not breed.
Hayward Dog Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsCalifornia 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
Residential beekeeping is allowed in Hayward with hive setbacks of 10 to 20 feet and flyway barriers. Beekeepers must register with the Alameda County Ag Commissioner.
Hayward Beekeeping Rules
Some RestrictionsExotic 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
Heavy 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...
Wildlife Feeding
Hayward prohibits intentional feeding of wild mammals under HMC nuisance rules and CA Fish and Game Code. The foothills border habitat, so feeding attracts predators into neighborhoods.
Hayward Wildlife Feeding Rules
Heavy RestrictionsLivestock
Livestock are prohibited in standard Hayward residential zones. Legacy large-lot and Agricultural (A) parcels in the foothills may keep limited livestock with setback and sanitation rules.
Hayward Livestock Rules
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Alameda County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Hayward city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Alameda County →