Animal Ordinances in Martinez, CA (2026)
8 verified animal ordinances for Martinez, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Martinez allows up to six hens on residential lots in most single-family zones, with no roosters permitted. Coops must be set back at least 10 feet from property lines and 25 feet from neighboring dwellings, maintained in sanitary condition, and provide adequate shelter. Slaughter on residential properties is prohibited. No permit is required for compliant small-flock keeping.
Animals: Chickens Poultry
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
All dogs in Martinez must be on a leash of six feet or less when off the owner's property, except in designated off-leash areas. The city's primary off-leash dog park is at Rankin Park. Violations result in fines starting at $50 for first offenses and $100-$250 for repeat violations, enforced by Contra Costa County Animal Services.
Animals: Leash Laws
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Martinez follows California Food & Agricultural Code §31683, which preempts breed-specific legislation — dangerous dog designation is based on behavior only. Dogs that bite or threaten people or other animals may be declared dangerous or vicious through a hearing process, with requirements including muzzling, secure enclosures, liability insurance, and signage. Vicious dog designations can result in destruction orders.
Animals: Dangerous Dogs
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Food & Agricultural Code § 31683
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 ...
Beekeeping
Beekeeping is permitted on residential properties in Martinez with setback requirements — hives must be at least 10 feet from property lines and 25 feet from neighboring dwellings, or behind a six-foot flyway barrier. Registration with the Contra Costa County Agricultural Commissioner is required for all beekeepers. Hive numbers are limited based on lot size, typically two hives per 5,000 square feet.
Animals: Beekeeping
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Food & Agricultural Code § 29040
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 whic...
Exotic Pets
Exotic animals are regulated under California Fish & Game Code and CA Code of Regulations §671. Ferrets and hedgehogs are illegal statewide. Other exotic species require a CDFW permit. Contra Costa County Animal Services enforces locally.
Martinez Exotic & Wild Animal Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Wildlife in Martinez is protected under California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations — feeding deer, coyotes, raccoons, turkeys, and other wildlife is prohibited and can result in fines. Injured wildlife should be reported to CDFW or Lindsay Wildlife Experience. The John Muir historic buffer and Alhambra Creek corridor host protected species requiring special consideration for landscaping and development.
Animals: Wildlife
Heavy RestrictionsLivestock
Livestock (horses, cattle, goats, sheep, pigs) is prohibited on standard residential lots in Martinez and restricted to parcels with agricultural zoning or minimum lot sizes typically over one acre. Miniature goats and potbellied pigs may be allowed as pets with setback requirements on larger lots. Rural parcels in unincorporated Contra Costa County near Martinez follow less restrictive county standards.
Animals: Livestock
Heavy RestrictionsPet Limits
Martinez limits residential properties to a maximum of three dogs and three cats over four months of age per single-family dwelling. Kennels, catteries, or properties exceeding these limits require a special use permit from the Community Development Department. Licensed rescues and foster programs may apply for exceptions through Contra Costa County Animal Services.
Animals: Pet Limits
Some RestrictionsLooking for Contra Costa County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Martinez city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Contra Costa County →