Animal Ordinances in Walnut Creek, CA (2026)
8 verified animal ordinances for Walnut Creek, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Walnut Creek permits backyard chickens in most residential zones with typical limits of 4-6 hens per lot, coops set back at least 10-15 feet from property lines and 25 feet from neighboring dwellings, and roosters are prohibited in standard single-family zones.
Animals: Chickens Backyard
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
All dogs over four months old in Walnut Creek must be licensed annually through Contra Costa County Animal Services and must be on a leash no longer than six feet when off the owner's property, except in designated off-leash areas such as Heather Farm Dog Park.
Animals: Dogs Leash License
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Walnut Creek follows California state law, which under Food & Agricultural Code Section 31683 preempts all breed-specific legislation; dangerous dog determinations are based solely on individual behavior, handled through Contra Costa County Animal Services' vicious-dog hearing process.
Animals: Dangerous Dogs
Some RestrictionsBeekeeping
Residential beekeeping is permitted in Walnut Creek subject to hive setbacks from property lines and neighboring dwellings, limits on hive count per lot size, and the provision of a water source on the beekeeper's property to reduce conflicts with neighbors.
Animals: Beekeeping
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
California Fish & Game Code Section 2118 prohibits possession of most exotic and wild animals statewide, and Walnut Creek defers to state law; venomous reptiles, non-human primates, large cats, bears, wolves, and most native wildlife cannot be kept as pets anywhere in the city.
Animals: Exotic Pets
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Walnut Creek residents regularly encounter deer, wild turkeys, coyotes, raccoons, skunks, and the occasional mountain lion due to the city's proximity to Mount Diablo State Park and extensive open space; feeding wildlife is prohibited and problem animals are handled by California Department of Fish & Wildlife, not the city.
Animals: Wildlife
Few RestrictionsCal. Fish & Game Code § 251.1 (CDFW Keep Me Wild)
CA.gov Official website of the State of California About Us Contact State of California Department of Fish and Wildlife Menu Custom Google Search Home Fishing Hunting Licensing Conservation Learning Home / HWC Human-Wildlife Conflicts Toolkit Vision: To proactively address human-wildlife conflicts and improve wildlife incident responses; to support safe human-wildlife interactions; and to incre...
Livestock
Livestock such as cattle, horses, goats, sheep, and pigs are generally prohibited in Walnut Creek's residential zones and are only permitted on large-acreage parcels zoned for agricultural or rural residential use, subject to setback requirements from dwellings and property lines.
Animals: Livestock
Heavy RestrictionsPet Limits
Walnut Creek residential properties are typically limited to a combined total of four dogs and cats over four months of age per household, with additional animals requiring a kennel or multi-pet permit administered through zoning review.
Animals: Pet Limits
Some RestrictionsLooking for Contra Costa County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Walnut Creek city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Contra Costa County →