6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Marin County, California.
Verified from official government sources
In unincorporated Marin County, the Development Code (Title 22, Chapter 22.32) permits the keeping of up to 12 fowl and/or 12 rabbits or similar small animals as 'Livestock Operations, Small Animals.' Large livestock (cattle, goats, sheep, hogs) and equestrian uses are separately defined and zone-restricted.
Marin County Development Code, Title 22, Ch. 22.32 (Livestock Operations, Small Animals; Chicken Coop definitions)
Livestock Operations, Small Animals. The raising or keeping of up to 12 fowl and/or 12 rabbits or similar animals. Excludes commercial hog raising, dairying, and larger livestock operations. Chicken Coop. A structure designed to completely enclose chickens on all sides as well as below and above.
Marin County Code Title 8 (Animals), Chapter 8.04 requires dogs in public places to be restrained by a leash of sufficient length to allow constant control. Marin Humane enforces leash laws in unincorporated areas and most contracted cities, with fines for off-leash violations.
Marin County has no breed-specific ban. California Food and Agricultural Code § 31683 preempts local breed-based bans, although mandatory spay/neuter ordinances by breed are permitted. The County instead regulates individual dogs through its Potentially Dangerous and Vicious Dog ordinance, § 8.04.181.
Marin County Code § 8.04.181 (Potentially Dangerous and Vicious Dogs)
The owner/guardian of a dog found potentially dangerous under this section, who has no additional violations of any of the provisions of Title 8 of the Marin County Code... within a 36-month period from the date of designation as potentially dangerous, shall be removed from the list of potentially dangerous dogs by the Director.
Beekeeping is broadly allowed in unincorporated Marin County given its agricultural character, subject to county zoning setbacks. Hives must be registered with the county agricultural commissioner.
California restricts exotic pets through the Fish & Game Code and CDFW regulations — ferrets and hedgehogs are illegal statewide, and many wild/exotic species are prohibited. These restrictions apply in unincorporated Marin County.
Marin County Code § 8.04.185 establishes a limitation on the number of dogs per household. Under the Title 22 Development Code, keeping six or more household pets four months or older constitutes a 'kennel' subject to discretionary permitting.
Marin County Development Code, Title 22 (Definitions – Kennels and Animal Boarding; Household Pets)
Kennels and Animal Boarding. Regulates the keeping of six or more household pets at least four months of age or older. Household Pets. Permits the keeping of cats, dogs, and other domesticated animals determined by the Director to be comparable.
1 cities in Marin County have their own animal ordinances rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Marin County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Marin County Ordinance Hub →