Animal Ordinances in San Leandro, CA (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for San Leandro, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
San Leandro allows up to four chickens by right on parcels of 4,500 square feet or larger, and up to 10 with an Animal Permit on any size lot. No roosters are allowed anywhere, and coops face strict size and setback rules under SLMC §§ 4-11-1200 and 4-11-1205.
San Leandro Backyard Chicken Limits
Some RestrictionsSan Leandro Municipal Code §§ 4-11-1200, 4-11-1205
§ 4-11-1200. LIMITATION ON NUMBER. Up to four chickens may be kept on parcels with an area of 4,500 square feet or larger. Chickens may be kept on parcels of less than 4,500 square feet with an Animal Permit. Up to 10 chickens may be kept on a parcel with an Animal Permit, but in no case may more than 10 chickens be kept on any single parcel. No roosters are to be kept on the property. § 4-11-1...
Dog Leash Laws
San Leandro dogs cannot run loose off their owner's property. SLMC § 4-11-300 requires a leash no longer than six feet under a competent handler's control, with a narrow exception for working dogs herding or hunting under control.
San Leandro Dog Leash and At-Large Law
Some RestrictionsSan Leandro Municipal Code § 4-11-300
§ 4-11-300. RUNNING AT LARGE PROHIBITED. No owner or keeper of a dog shall allow or permit such dog, whether licensed or unlicensed, to be or run at large in or upon any public place or premises, or in or upon any private place or premises other than those of said owner or keeper except with the consent of the person in charge of said private place or premises, unless such dog is securely restr...
Breed Restrictions
San Leandro does not impose breed-specific bans or ownership restrictions. California Food & Agricultural Code §31683 preempts local breed-specific ordinances that declare a dog dangerous or vicious based solely on breed. The City instead regulates individual dogs through its Article 6 dangerous-dog process in SLMC Chapter 4-11.
San Leandro Breed Restrictions (No BSL - State Preemption Under Cal. Food & Agric. Code §31683)
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Food & Agricultural Code Section 31683
Food and Agricultural Code - FAC DIVISION 14. REGULATION AND LICENSING OF DOGS [30501 - 31683] CHAPTER 9. Potentially Dangerous and Vicious Dogs [31601 - 31683] ARTICLE 5. Miscellaneous [31681 - 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 incorpor...
Beekeeping
Any number of hives in San Leandro needs a beekeeping permit, and the lot must be at least 6,000 square feet. SLMC §§ 4-11-1400 and 4-11-1405 cap hives at three per property and set strict placement rules.
San Leandro Backyard Beekeeping Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsSan Leandro Municipal Code §§ 4-11-1400, 4-11-1405
§ 4-11-1400. BEEKEEPING PERMIT. A beekeeping permit is required for the keeping of any number of hives on any lot or parcel of land within the City. § 4-11-1405. INSPECTION AND CONDITIONS OF BEEKEEPING PERMIT...(1) No hive shall be kept or maintained on any parcel of less than 6,000 square feet. (2) No more than three hives shall be maintained on any property or parcel of land...(4) Hives shall...
Exotic Pets
San Leandro Municipal Code §4-11-1100 prohibits keeping exotic animals - and any animal not on the household-pet whitelist - inside the city. State law (Cal. Fish & Game Code §2118 and 14 CCR §671) layers a separate prohibition on restricted species like primates, big cats, venomous reptiles, and ferrets.
San Leandro Exotic Pets (prohibited under §4-11-1100; household-pet whitelist only)
Light RestrictionsCal. Code Regs. tit. 14, § 671 (CDFW Restricted Species)
Restricted Species Permits are required for every person who imports, exports, transports, or possesses any restricted animal listed in Section 671(c), Title 14, of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) (PDF) . Entitlements Fee Description Restricted Species Permit Application/Amendment New: $155.53 Renewal and Amendment: $80.60 Required for every new permit, permit renewal or amendment of a...
Pet Groomer Rules
San Leandro classifies commercial pet grooming as an 'Animal Grooming' use under Municipal Code Section 1.12.108, capping any incidental boarding at 48 hours. The use is permitted outright, without a conditional use permit, in the CC (Commercial Community) and CS (Commercial Services) zoning districts under Sections 2.08.200 and 2.08.216.
San Leandro Pet Grooming Zoning Rules
Some RestrictionsSan Leandro, CA, Municipal Code § 1.12.108 (Definitions - "Animal Grooming")
Animal Grooming. Provision of bathing and trimming services for small animals on a commercial basis. This classification includes boarding of domestic animals for a maximum period of 48 hours.
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
San Leandro's Zoning Code requires veterinary clinics, classified as 'Animal Hospitals' under Section 1.12.108, to be entirely enclosed, soundproofed, and air-conditioned. The use is permitted outright in the CS (Commercial Services) district under Section 2.08.216, but needs a conditional use permit in the CC and C-RM districts under Sections 2.08.200 and 2.08.212.
San Leandro Veterinary Hospital Zoning
Some RestrictionsSan Leandro, CA, Municipal Code § 1.12.108 (Definitions - "Animal Hospitals")
Animal Hospitals. Establishments where small animals receive medical and surgical treatment. This classification includes only facilities that are entirely enclosed, soundproofed, and air-conditioned. Grooming and temporary (30 days) boarding of animals is included if incidental to the hospital use.
Looking for Alameda County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Leandro city rules.
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