Animal Ordinances in Sacramento County, CA (2026)

7 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 7 cities in Sacramento County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Sacramento County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

Chickens & Livestock

Sacramento County allows backyard chickens in most residential zones: up to 6 hens on lots under 10,000 sq ft, no roosters in RD zones. Coops must be set back 20 feet from dwellings on adjacent parcels.

Animals: Chickens Backyard

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Dog Leash Laws

Sacramento County Code 9.04 requires dogs to be leashed (maximum 6 feet) in all public places. Off-leash is allowed only in designated off-leash park areas. Fines start at 100 dollars.

Animals: Dog Leash Laws

Heavy Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Breed Restrictions

Breed-specific bans are preempted statewide by California Food and Agricultural Code 31683. Sacramento County regulates dangerous dogs by behavior, not breed, under Code Chapter 9.12.

Animals: Breed Restrictions

Few Restrictions

California Food and 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, or that may punish a violation of this chapter as a misdemeanor or may impose a more restrictive program to control potentially dangerous or vicious dogs. Except as prov...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Beekeeping

Sacramento County allows beekeeping in most residential and agricultural zones. Hives must be set back from property lines and registered with the County Agricultural Commissioner.

Animals: Beekeeping

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Exotic Pets

Sacramento County follows California Fish and Game Code 2118 and Title 14 CCR 671, prohibiting most exotic mammals, reptiles, and birds without a CDFW permit. Local exceptions are narrow.

Animals: Exotic Pets

Heavy Restrictions

California Department of Fish and Wildlife — Restricted Species Permits (14 CCR § 671)

Restricted Species Permits are required for every person who imports, exports, transports, or possesses any restricted animal listed in Section 671(c), Title 14, of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) (PDF) . Entitlements Fee Description Restricted Species Permit Application/Amendment New: $155.53 Renewal and Amendment: $80.60 Required for every new permit, permit renewal or amendment of a...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Wildlife Feeding

Sacramento County Code 9.60 prohibits feeding wild mammals including deer, raccoons, coyotes, and wild turkeys. Bird feeders are allowed if they do not attract mammals.

Animals: Wildlife Feeding

Some Restrictions

California Department of Fish and Wildlife — Keep Me Wild Program (Human-Wildlife Conflicts Toolkit)

Vision: To proactively address human-wildlife conflicts and improve wildlife incident responses; to support safe human-wildlife interactions; and to increase understanding, awareness and appreciation of wildlife in California. Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) can occur when humans encounter or interact with wild animals in an unwanted or unsafe way. In California, habitat loss and a changing clima...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Pet Limits

Sacramento County residential zones allow up to 4 dogs and 4 cats (over 4 months old) per dwelling without a kennel permit. AR and AG zones have no numeric limit.