Animal Ordinances in Sonoma, CA (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Sonoma, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
The City of Sonoma regulates keeping of livestock, fowl and other animals under Sonoma Municipal Code Chapter 8.08. Chickens and small fowl are allowed in residential zones subject to setback and sanitation requirements, while dairies and commercial animal farms are prohibited.
Chickens and Livestock in the City of Sonoma
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Sonoma Municipal Code Chapter 8.06 prohibits dogs from being at large on any public street or place; dogs must be restrained by a leash no longer than six feet, with exceptions for service dogs, police dogs, and posted off-leash areas.
Dog Leash Law — Six-Foot Maximum on Public Property
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
California Food & Agricultural Code §31683 preempts breed-specific bans, but Sonoma County requires mandatory spay/neuter of all pit bulls over four months old under Chapter 5, Article XIV (§5-171), which applies in unincorporated areas and is enforced alongside the City's dangerous-dog rules in SMC Chapter 8.12.
Breed Restrictions — No Breed Bans; Pit Bull Spay/Neuter Required
Some RestrictionsBeekeeping
Backyard beekeeping is permitted in the City of Sonoma. A typical single-family home may maintain up to 2 hives, with up to 4 hives allowed on larger parcels, subject to screening, setback, and licensing requirements. All beekeepers must register apiaries with the Sonoma County Agricultural Commissioner under California's BeeWhere program.
Backyard Beekeeping in the City of Sonoma
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Keeping exotic or wild animals in the City of Sonoma is prohibited without proof of proper state approvals under Sonoma Municipal Code §8.06.120. The municipal code adopts the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's restricted species list — possession of restricted species requires a permit issued under Cal. Fish & Game Code §2118.
Exotic Pets and Wild Animals in the City of Sonoma
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
The City of Sonoma has no city-specific wildlife-feeding ordinance, but state law applies: under 14 CCR §251.1, feeding wild birds and mammals can constitute illegal 'harassment' of wildlife. Feeding deer, bears, mountain lions, and other big game is prohibited under California Fish and Game Code §4014.
Wildlife Feeding in the City of Sonoma
Some RestrictionsAnimal Hoarding
The City of Sonoma does not impose a numeric cap on the number of pets per household, but animal hoarding is prosecuted under California Penal Code §597 (cruelty) and §597.1 (neglect), and locally under Sonoma Municipal Code Chapter 8.06. Hoarding is a wobbler — chargeable as a misdemeanor or felony.
Animal Hoarding and Neglect in the City of Sonoma
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Sonoma County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Sonoma city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Sonoma County →