Animal Ordinances in San Ramon, CA (2026)
8 verified animal ordinances for San Ramon, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
San Ramon permits up to 6 backyard hens on residential lots with coop setback requirements (typically 10-20 feet from property lines and 25+ feet from neighboring dwellings). Roosters are prohibited. Coops must be kept clean to avoid odor and vector nuisance. HOA CC&Rs in master-planned communities frequently ban chickens entirely.
Animals: Chickens Backyard
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
San Ramon requires all dogs over 4 months old to be licensed through Contra Costa County Animal Services and leashed (max 6 ft) when off the owner's property. Current rabies vaccination is required for licensing. Off-leash is permitted only in designated dog parks including Memorial Park Dog Park and Hap Magee Ranch.
Animals: Dogs Leash License
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
San Ramon follows California Food & Agricultural Code §31601-31683 for dangerous dog determinations, which are strictly behavior-based. No breed-specific bans are permitted statewide. Contra Costa County Animal Services conducts investigations and hearings. Owners of declared dangerous dogs face confinement, insurance, and registration requirements.
Animals: Dangerous Dogs
Heavy RestrictionsCal. Food & Agric. 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
Backyard beekeeping is permitted in San Ramon with setback and hive limit restrictions. Typical requirements include minimum 10-25 foot setbacks from property lines, water source on property, and colony limits based on lot size. Registration with Contra Costa County Agricultural Commissioner is required under California Food & Ag Code §29040.
Animals: Beekeeping
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
San Ramon prohibits exotic and wild animals as pets, with regulation primarily governed by California Fish and Game Code §2118 which bans private possession of dangerous wildlife statewide. Prohibited animals include big cats, primates, bears, venomous reptiles, and most non-native wildlife. Permitted small exotics (certain reptiles, birds) are subject to general pet nuisance rules.
Animals: Exotic Pets
Heavy 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...
Wildlife Feeding
San Ramon borders extensive East Bay Regional Park District open space (Las Trampas, Bollinger Canyon, Iron Horse Trail) hosting deer, coyotes, mountain lions, turkeys, and raptors. Feeding wildlife is prohibited. California Department of Fish and Wildlife handles dangerous wildlife; city code enforcement addresses feeding violations.
Animals: Wildlife
Some RestrictionsLivestock
Livestock is prohibited on standard residential lots in San Ramon. The city's suburban master-planned zoning does not include agricultural districts, and lot sizes in Dougherty Valley, Bishop Ranch, and Canyon Lakes communities are too small for livestock. Limited exceptions exist for properties with agricultural zoning adjacent to open space preserves.
Animals: Livestock
Heavy RestrictionsPet Limits
San Ramon limits residential properties to 3-4 dogs and 3-4 cats per household, with combined totals varying by lot size. Kennel permits are required for households keeping more animals and for commercial boarding. Exotic pet limits are addressed separately, and no permit exceptions exist for breeding operations in residential zones.
Animals: Pet Limits
Some RestrictionsLooking for Contra Costa County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Ramon city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Contra Costa County →