10 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Placer County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Placer County's 2011 Fowl and Poultry Ordinance allows up to six chicken hens in Residential Single-Family, Multi-Family, and Resort zones on lots of at least 5,000 sq ft. Roosters, guinea hens, and peahens are prohibited. Larger hen counts apply in agricultural and forest zones.
Placer County Zoning Ordinance § 17.56.050(F)(6) - Fowl and Poultry
Fowl and Poultry. The number of fowl or poultry that may be kept on a site where allowed by Subsection D is not limited by this section except as follows: a. In the combining Agricultural (-AG) zone district (where the site must be no less than one-half acre for any such animals to be kept) and in the Residential-Forest (RF) zone district (where the site must be no less than one acre for any an...
In unincorporated Placer County, dogs off the owner's premises must be under restraint by lead, leash, or adequate enclosure. A 2011 amendment redefined 'dog at large' to include any dog not on a leash, with limited exceptions for working, agricultural, obedience-event, and hunting dogs.
Placer County has no breed-specific ban. The County regulates dogs individually through a potentially-dangerous and vicious-dog process under Code Section 6.08.030, which supplements California Food & Agricultural Code Section 31621 et seq. and is based on a dog's behavior, not its breed.
California Food & Agricultural Code § 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, and that may include similar requirements as this chapter, provided that no program shall regulate these dogs in a manner that is specific as to breed.
Placer County adopted a beekeeping ordinance in 2023 setting standards for backyard and commercial hives. Bee yards are limited to five hives per acre and 100 hives total, with a 50-foot hive setback from property lines. Residential hobbyists may keep up to two hives. Apiaries must register with the County Agricultural Commissioner.
Placer County's zoning code (Section 17.56.050(F)(15)) treats carnivorous, poisonous, or non-native animals as 'zoo animals' requiring a Minor Use Permit. Keeping carnivorous animals other than dogs, cats, and non-poisonous reptiles/amphibians also requires an Administrative Review Permit. California Fish & Game restricted-species law applies on top of County rules.
Placer County's animal code does not contain a stand-alone ordinance banning the feeding of wild animals such as deer or bears. State law governs: California Fish & Game Code Section 251.1 and Title 14 CCR Section 251.3 prohibit intentionally feeding big game like deer and bears. The County does require that animal sites be kept free of food waste that attracts vectors.
Placer County zoning Section 17.56.050 sets animal-density ratios for livestock. In the -AG combining zone, examples include 2 cattle or horses per gross acre and 6 goats/sheep per gross acre, with minimum lot sizes required. Up to 19 breeding hogs are allowed before a parcel becomes a regulated hog ranch.
Placer County has no separate hoarding ordinance, but Code Section 6.08.010(K) makes it unlawful to let any animal go without adequate food, water, shelter, or proper care. Hoarding-type cruelty is prosecuted under California Penal Code Section 597, and zoning animal limits cap how many animals a property may hold.
Placer County zoning Section 17.56.050(F)(16) limits households to four dogs, four cats, or a combination of four in RS and RM residential zones; up to eight is allowed with a private kennel/cattery permit. Limits rise to six (and more with permits) in agricultural and forest zones.
Placer County Zoning Ordinance § 17.56.050(F)(16)(a) - Dogs and Cats, RS and RM Zones
Residential Single-Family (RS) and Residential Multifamily (RM) Zones. In the RS and RM zone districts, the keeping of no more than four dogs, four cats or a combination of such animals (four months of age or older) not to exceed a total of four, is allowed... However, up to eight dogs, eight cats or a combination of such animals (four months of age or older) not to exceed a total of eight, may...
Placer County does not require cat licenses, but optional cat licenses may be issued on request with a valid rabies certificate. Cats count toward the zoning dog/cat household limits (four in residential zones). Feral cats are recognized and handled under California Food & Agricultural Code Section 31752.5.
3 cities in Placer County have their own animal ordinances rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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