Animal Ordinances in Lodi, CA (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Lodi, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Lodi allows residents to keep up to six (6) adult hens plus fourteen (14) chicks under eight weeks old on a residential lot, with coops set back at least fifty (50) feet from any neighboring residence. No city permit is required for the birds themselves; roosters are technically allowed but are practically prohibited via the noise nuisance ordinance.
Chickens & Livestock — Up to 6 Hens with 50-ft Setback (LMC §6.12.110)
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Dogs in Lodi must be on a leash no longer than six feet whenever they are in public; off-leash is only permitted inside designated areas of Beckman Park, Vinewood Park, and the west side of Lodi Lake Park, sunrise to sunset, under voice control.
Dog Leash Law (Lodi Municipal Code Title 6)
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
California Food & Agricultural Code §31683 preempts any city or county from banning or regulating dogs on the basis of breed. Lodi follows a behavior-based dangerous-dog framework under Title 6, but it does use the state's narrow exception allowing breed-specific mandatory spay/neuter for pit bulls.
Breed Restrictions — California State Preemption with Pit Bull Spay/Neuter Exception
Some RestrictionsBeekeeping
Lodi Municipal Code Title 6 does not contain a beekeeping-specific ordinance. Backyard beekeeping is therefore governed by California Food & Agricultural Code §29040, which requires every apiary owner to register annually with the San Joaquin County Agricultural Commissioner (via the statewide BeeWhere system). Hives that create a nuisance can still be abated under Lodi's general nuisance provisions.
Beekeeping — Governed by State Law (Cal. F&A Code §29040); Apiary Registration Required
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Lodi does not maintain a separate exotic-pet list because California Fish & Game Code §2118 imposes a comprehensive statewide ban on importing, transporting, or possessing wild and exotic mammals, reptiles, birds, and amphibians without a CDFW restricted-species permit. Common pets banned statewide include ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, monkeys, raccoons, skunks, foxes, and most wild cats.
Exotic Pets — State-Preempted by Cal. Fish & Game Code §2118
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Lodi does not have a stand-alone ordinance prohibiting the feeding of wildlife, but the city's official wildlife guidance instructs residents not to intentionally leave food out for wild mammals. Intentionally feeding wildlife in ways that habituate the animal can violate California Fish & Game Code §251.1 (prohibition on harassment of game) and 14 CCR §251.3.
Wildlife Feeding — City Advisory; Cal. F&G Code §251.1 Prohibits Harassment
Some RestrictionsAnimal Hoarding
California Penal Code §597 (animal cruelty) and §597.1 (failure to provide care) are the primary tools used against animal hoarding statewide; California does not have a stand-alone hoarding statute but applies §597 to cases where overcrowding compromises animal health. Lodi Municipal Code §6.12 sets local pet limits and licensing requirements that Lodi Animal Services uses to identify and intervene in hoarding cases.
Animal Hoarding — Cal. Penal Code §597 / 597.1 Governs; LMC §6.12 Pet Limits Apply
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for San Joaquin County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Lodi city rules.
Animal Ordinances in San Joaquin County →