Household pets

Household pets are allowed in all residential areas under these conditions:

• You can have up to three animals. These animals can include poultry (except roosters), domestic, or exotic animals. Livestock and roosters are not considered household pets.
• Do not let your animals run at large, except for domestic cats. They should be kept under the control of the property owner, or kept within an enclosure in the main building.
• Animal enclosures, pens, or runs are not allowed in the front yard.
• Newborn and baby animals up to the age of 10 weeks are not considered in the three animal limit.

Exceptions

If you are a property owner or resident, you can submit a written request for a hearing to seek an exception to the conditions. An exception may be granted by the Zoning Administrator. If the Zoning Administrator thinks it’s warranted, they will schedule a hearing on the subject. The person keeping the animals and all landowners within 300 feet of the site where the animals are kept will be notified at least 10 days in advance.

After the hearing the Zoning Administrator will make a decision. If they make a finding that the animals are causing a nuisance because of noise, odor, insects, dust, or otherwise, they may order certain conditions or require animals are removed from the property.

Livestock and roosters

Livestock and roosters are allowed in the R-40 zoning district for single-family, very low density residential subject to following conditions.

Livestock and roosters are conditionally permitted in the following single-family low low density residential zones. In addition to following the conditions below, you’ll need to get a Minor Use Permit for approval for the following zones:

• R-8
• R-8.5
• R-10
• R-12
• R-15
• R-20

Conditions for Livestock and roosters

• Livestock or roosters are not allowed on a property less than 40,000 square feet unless the property is adjacent to open space and is at least 20,000 square feet in size.
• Only one animal is allowed for every 20,000 square feet, under the care of one owner.
• If you have livestock, a barn or stable or chicken coop must be built 100 feet away from any public street or 50 feet to any interior lot line.
• A fence, corral, chicken coop, or similar enclosure cannot be located within 15 feet of any side or rear property line or within 100 feet of any front property line.
• A barn, stable, fence, corral, chicken coop, or other enclosure cannot be located within 50 feet of any building that is occupied by humans.
• The number of livestock allowed may be increased above the maximum of one per 20,000 square feet if a finding is made that the site is suitable and can support the additional livestock without creating a nuisance problem for surrounding property.

Check the zoning for your property online

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Related

• Walnut Creek Animal Keeping Ordinance
• Minor use permit

Contact

• Call (925) 256-3558
• Email DutyPlanner@walnut-creek.org