Animal Ordinances in Woodland, CA (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Woodland, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Woodland lets residents keep up to six chicken hens, six pigeons, or six rabbits (or a mix of hens and pigeons totaling six) without any permit, under Municipal Code Section 6.08.030. The pen or structure must sit at least 40 feet from any neighboring residence and stay clean and sanitary; keeping more requires a Zoning Administrator permit under Section 6.08.040.
Woodland Backyard Chicken and Rabbit Limits
Some RestrictionsWoodland Municipal Code § 6.08.030
§ 6.08.030. Keeping of chickens, pigeons or rabbits. A. It is unlawful for any person to keep or maintain within the City, or permit to be kept or maintained upon land belonging to such person, any chickens, pigeons or rabbits except as follows: B. A total of not more than six chicken hens or six pigeons or a combination of chicken hens and pigeons not to exceed the number of six, or a total of...
Dog Leash Laws
Woodland requires dogs to be leashed whenever they are off the owner's private property. Municipal Code Section 6.04.020(A), Woodland's own amendment to the adopted Yolo County animal control law, bars owners from letting a dog off leash within City limits unless the property owner consents, capping the leash at eight feet, with exceptions for police dogs, training classes, and City-designated off-leash dog parks.
Woodland Dog Leash Law
Some RestrictionsWoodland Municipal Code § 6.04.020(A)-(B)
§ 6.04.020. City amendment to the County animal control ordinance. ... ... A. Section 6-1.401.1 Dogs on Leashes: Dog Parks. Dogs on Leashes. No owner or bailee of a dog shall permit such dog to be within the limits of the City other than on private property with the consent of the property owner, unless the dog is restrained by a leash not exceeding eight feet in length; provided, however, that...
Breed Restrictions
Woodland does not restrict dogs by breed; it regulates dogs by behavior. Municipal Code Section 6.04.040 defines a "vicious dog" as one that has bitten a person requiring medical care, has been trained to attack, or shows tendencies to attack, and requires such dogs to be muzzled, leashed to four feet, securely confined, and insured for $50,000.00 in public liability.
Woodland Vicious Dog Declaration and Rules
Significant RestrictionsWoodland Municipal Code §§ 6.04.040, 6.04.050(C)
§ 6.04.040. Vicious dogs. A. Definitions. "Vicious dog" as used in this chapter shall mean: 1. Any dog which because of its size, training, behavior, physical nature, or vicious propensity is capable of inflicting serious physical harm or death to human beings and which would constitute a danger to human life or property if it were not kept in the manner required by this chapter; ... ... B. Reg...
Beekeeping
Backyard beekeeping in Woodland is capped at two hives on lots under 10,000 square feet and four on larger lots, confined to rear yards under Zoning Code § 17.84.110.B, and requires registration with the Planning Director plus the Yolo County Agricultural Commissioner before an apiary can be established.
Woodland Backyard Beekeeping Rules
Some RestrictionsWoodland Municipal Code § 17.84.110.B.3-5, .C.2
A maximum of two beehives per lot on a parcel of land less than 10,000 square feet. 4. A maximum of four beehives per lot on a parcel of land with an area over 10,000 square feet. 5. Beehives are restricted to rear yards. ... Beekeeping Registration. Beekeeping registration is required prior to establishment of an apiary, as follows: ... The applicant must register the apiary with the County of...
Exotic Pets
Woodland outright prohibits keeping roosters, peacocks, geese, or any animal that requires a California Department of Fish and Wildlife permit under Fish and Game Code § 2118, per Zoning Code § 17.84.080.H. Cattle, horses, swine, sheep, goats and other livestock and fowl are also banned citywide except as specifically allowed under Municipal Code Chapter 6.08.
Woodland Ban on Wild and Exotic Pets
Heavy RestrictionsWoodland Municipal Code § 17.84.080.C.1, .H
Livestock and Domestic Fowl Prohibited Generally. It is unlawful for any person to maintain within the City, or permit to be kept or maintained upon land belonging to such person, any cattle, horses, swine, sheep, goats, geese, ducks, turkeys, roosters, and other poultry and fame birds, except as specifically permitted under provisions of Woodland Municipal Code Section 6.08, Domestic Animal Ke...
Pet Store Rules
In the City of Woodland, California, the Zoning Code's 'Pet Store' use classification is limited to retail pet supply stores selling small household pets such as birds, fish, and reptiles. Woodland Municipal Code § 17.144.010 excludes dogs and cats from that definition, and every pet store use must operate inside an enclosed building, with grooming permitted only when incidental to the retail sales.
Woodland Pet Stores Limited to Small Animals
Some RestrictionsWoodland Municipal Code § 17.144.010
Pet Store. Retail pet supply stores. May include the sale of small household pets (birds, fish, reptiles). This classification includes grooming if incidental to the retail use. Uses are conducted within an enclosed building.
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
Animal hospitals, veterinarian hospitals, commercial animal boarding and pet day care in Woodland must sit at least 150 feet from any residential district, restaurant, hotel or motel under Zoning Code § 17.84.080.G, must control noise and odor, and cannot incinerate refuse on site.
Woodland Veterinary Hospital & Kennel Zoning
Some RestrictionsWoodland Municipal Code § 17.84.080.G
Animal Hospital, Commercial Animal Boarding, Kennels, Pet Day Care. Animal hospitals and veterinarian hospitals, and commercial animal boarding and/or pet day care shall be located no closer than 150 feet from any residential district, restaurant, hotel, or motel, in any district and shall show adequate measures and controls are taken to prevent offensive noise and odor. No incineration of refu...
Looking for Yolo County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Woodland city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Yolo County →