Animals

Frequently Asked Questions

Chickens for personal use are allowed in all zones, with exceptions. The keeping of crowing fowl as an incidental use shall be allowed in all zoning districts other than RD-10 through RD-40, RM-2, O, Mixed Use, and M-2, and requires a minimum lot size of 10,000 square feet.  The minimum lot size for keeping an unregulated number of chickens is 10,000 square feet. On lots less than 10,000 square feet, the keeping of egg-laying chickens and ducks is allowed subject to the following restrictions:

  • ​Animals must be kept in rear yard areas only.
  • Residentially zoned parcels may have one of these animals for every 1,000 square feet of parcel area or one for every 200 square feet of rear yard area, whichever is less.
  • Non-residentially zoned parcels may have one of these animals for every 400 square feet of parcel area or one for every 200 square feet of rear yard area, whichever is less.
  • A covered coop with a roof and four sides must be provided for chickens to voluntarily retreat to and roost at night.
  • These animals must be kept in a structure or fenced area at least 20 feet from all neighboring residential dwellings at all times.
  • 10 square feet of space shall be available for each animal for foraging and roaming.

Horses, for personal use, are allowed on parcels greater than 20,000 square feet in all zones, except in multifamily and RM-2 zoning districts unless developed as a duplex or halfplex. 

​Horse stables in residential zones must meet the standards in Table 5.10.B in Section 5.4.5.A of the Zoning Code.

More than one pig is allowed on parcels located within agricultural, urban reserve, interim-agricultural reserve, and AR10 and AR5 zones, provided all the requirements of the County Health Department are met. 

  • In the AR2 zone, a maximum of three pigs are allowed. On properties zoned AR1 through RD7, a maximum of one pig is allowed. 
  • A minimum net area of 20,000 square feet is required on parcels zoned for pigs for personal use. Parcels must have a minimum of two acres for commercial use of pigs. 
  • Participants of 4-H and Future Farmers of America programs may apply for an exception to incidental agricultural rules regarding keeping of animals, pursuant to Section 3.9.3.G.2.e of the Sacramento County Zoning Code.

​​As many chickens and horses as you are able to maintain in a healthy, sanitary, and nuisance-free condition are permitted, provided the minimum lot size of 10,000 square feet for chickens and 20,000 square feet for horses is met and the keeping of animals is incidental to a permitted residential use. 

On lots less than 10,000 square feet, the keeping of egg-laying chickens and ducks is allowed subject to the following restrictions:

  • Residentially zoned parcels may have one of these animals for every 1,000 square feet of parcel area or one for every 200 square feet of rear yard area, whichever is less.
  • Non-residentially zoned parcels may have one of these animals for every 400 square feet of parcel area or one for every 200 square feet of rear yard area, whichever is less. 

See standards provided in Section 3.9.3.G of the Zoning Code​.​

Up to four mature cats and four mature dogs on one lot, building, structure, enclosure or premises are allowed. More than 4 mature animals requires a use permit for a cattery or kennel. Mature is defined: six months or older for cats, four months or older for dogs. More than the allowable number is considered a cattery or kennel which is only allowed in certain zones, on parcels of a certain size and requires a conditional use permit. Contact the County Planning Department at sacplan@saccounty.gov​ to get permit and permitting information. (See Section 7.3 & 3.2.5, Table 3.1 (Commercial Uses)(A)(1)(b) of the Zoning Code). 

Complaints of illegal cattery or kennel are received by Sacramento County Animal Control and Regulation, and properties that do not comply are subject to follow-up enforcement by Code Enforcement.

​Household pets other than cats or dogs are not regulated by the zoning code. Domesticated animals kept for pleasure, in a cage, terrarium, aquarium or other confinement within the primary dwelling are not regulated by Code Enforcement as long as they are kept in a safe, healthy and nuisance-free condition.

No. Domesticated animals kept for pleasure, in a cage, terrarium, aquarium, or other confinement within the primary dwelling besides those mentioned above are not regulated by Code Enforcement as long as they are kept in a healthy, sanitary and nuisance free condition.

​Dog owners have an obligation to control their animals.  If a pet owner is not keeping their animal restrained or under control, county residents can contact Animal Care Services.  

Also, the Sacramento Mediation Center at 916-441-7979 is a good resource.  This is a non-profit agency that provides mediation services for neighbor disputes.  For an initial fee of $25, the mediation center can attempt to open up a dialogue to resolve a neighbor dispute. ​​

If you are a tenant, contact Code Enforcement and file a complaint by dialing 3-1-1 or online at Sacramento County 311 Connect. 

For more information about rats a​nd mice, you can visit UC Davis' Quick Tips for Managi​ng Home and Landscape Pests website​. 

For information about wildlife, including skunks and raccoons, please contact the Wildlife Services Program, run by​​ the County Agricultural Commission.
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