Animal Ordinances in Santa Clara, CA (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Santa Clara, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Santa Clara permits up to 6 hens in residential zones under City Code Chapter 6.10 with 20-foot setbacks from dwellings; roosters are prohibited and larger livestock require agricultural zoning.
Santa Clara Chickens and Livestock
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Santa Clara requires dogs to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet in all public places under City Code Chapter 6.10, except within designated off-leash areas at approved dog parks.
Santa Clara Dog Leash Laws
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Santa Clara does not restrict dog ownership by breed due to California Food and Agricultural Code Section 31683 preemption, but may declare specific dogs dangerous based on individual behavior.
Santa Clara Dog Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Food & Agricultural Code Section 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
Santa Clara permits residential beekeeping with up to 2 hives per 5,000 square feet of lot area, requiring 20-foot setbacks from property lines and a water source under City Code Chapter 6.10.
Santa Clara Beekeeping
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Santa Clara prohibits exotic and wild animals as pets under California Fish and Game Code Section 2116-2126 and City Code Chapter 6.10; violations carry fines up to 1,000 dollars.
Santa Clara Exotic Pets
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Department of Fish and Wildlife — Restricted Species Permits (14 CCR § 671)
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). ... Animal Care (Detrimental Species) $652.25. Issued to any resident who has demonstrated the experience and ability to house animals designated as a detrimental species, and who legally po...
Wildlife Feeding
Santa Clara prohibits feeding of wildlife including coyotes, raccoons, deer, feral cats, and pigeons under City Code Chapter 6.10, with penalties intended to reduce urban wildlife conflicts.
Santa Clara Wildlife Feeding
Some RestrictionsLivestock
Santa Clara generally prohibits livestock (cattle, horses, goats, sheep, pigs) in residential zones under City Code Chapter 6.10; agricultural or rural residential zoning with minimum lot sizes is required.
Santa Clara Livestock
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Santa Clara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Clara city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Santa Clara County →