Animal Ordinances in Rancho Cordova, CA (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Rancho Cordova, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Rancho Cordova allows backyard hens on single-family residential lots with coop setbacks. Roosters are generally prohibited in residential zones. Typical limit is 4 to 6 hens depending on lot size.
Animals: Chickens Backyard
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Dogs in Rancho Cordova must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet when off the owner's property, under Sacramento County Code Title 9, which the city enforces through its animal services contract. Off-leash is permitted only in designated dog parks.
Animals: Dog Leash Laws
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Rancho Cordova does not restrict dogs by breed. California Food and Agricultural Code Section 31683 preempts all local breed-specific legislation statewide, so no California city may ban pit bulls, Rottweilers, or any other breed.
Animals: 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
Backyard beekeeping is allowed in Rancho Cordova on single-family residential lots subject to setback and hive-count limits in the zoning code. Registration with the Sacramento County Agricultural Commissioner is required annually under California Food and Agricultural Code Section 29040.
Animals: Beekeeping
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Food and Agricultural Code Section 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 and wild animals are prohibited as pets in Rancho Cordova under California Code of Regulations Title 14 Section 671, which bans private possession of nondomestic species statewide without a permit from the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Animals: Exotic Pets
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Feeding wildlife such as coyotes, raccoons, deer, and feral cats is discouraged and may be prohibited as a public nuisance in Rancho Cordova. California Fish and Game Code Section 251.1 prohibits harassment and Section 2000 regulates wildlife take, while local nuisance rules cover attractants.
Animals: Wildlife Feeding
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Department of Fish and Wildlife — Human-Wildlife Conflicts Toolkit (Keep Me Wild Program)
Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) can occur when humans encounter or interact with wild animals in an unwanted or unsafe way. In California, habitat loss and a changing climate have increased the frequency and type of HWC reported to CDFW. It has become more common for people to be "living with wildlife" as communities grow along the urban-wildlands interface and wildlife look for limited resources...
Pet Limits
Rancho Cordova limits the number of dogs and cats per household, typically 4 dogs and 4 cats per residential parcel, under rules administered by Sacramento County Animal Services. Kennel permits are required beyond these limits.
Animals: Pet Limits
Some RestrictionsLooking for Sacramento County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Rancho Cordova city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Sacramento County →