Gilroy · Building on your lot

Pets, chickens and bees in Gilroy

Gilroy's own rules on pets, chickens and bees, with the code text for every value.

Ask about pets, chickens and bees in Gilroy See coverage

Each rule below links to the section of the Gilroy Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Gilroy's code says

Gilroy code What Gilroy's code adds
Large animals	No more than 2 adult animals and their young per acre; at least 1 acre required. Applies: Agricultural animals lawfully kept in any non-agricultural zoning district. § 4.19 · code text No agricultural animal shall be maintained on an area of less than one (1) acre, and the number of animals thereon shall not exceed a number per acre of two (2) adult animals and their immature offspring. At least 100 feet from any school, church, hospital or others' dwelling; at least 30 feet from streets except alleys. Applies: Open pastures or corrals for agricultural animals in non-agricultural zoning districts. § 4.19 · code text All open enclosures harboring agricultural animals, whether pasture land or corral, shall be not less than one hundred (100) feet from the nearest school, church, hospital or dwelling used for human habitation, other than the residence of the owner of such animal, and shall be set back at least thirty (30) feet from any travelled street or highway, except an alley.
Permit	A permit from the administrator, such as a private kennel permit, is required. Applies: More than 5 dogs and cats over 4 months old in total, or more than 1 unspayed female dog or cat. § 4.33 · code text without a valid permit procured from the administrator pursuant to this chapter for a private kennel, commercial kennel, pet shop, animal menagerie or animal shelter.
Pet limit	At most 5 dogs and cats combined over 4 months old, including at most 1 unspayed female dog or cat. Applies: Without a permit from the administrator. § 4.33 · code text or any combination totaling five (5) dogs and cats, including no more than one (1) unspayed female dog or one (1) unspayed female cat

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific Gilroy property

Ask GoCodebook how Gilroy's pets, chickens and bees rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

Ask your question

More on building on your lot in Gilroy

All building on your lot rules in Gilroy

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Gilroy

Running a business from home in Gilroy

Solar panels and EV chargers in Gilroy

Tree removal in Gilroy

Building on a hillside in Gilroy

Parking spaces required for homes in Gilroy

Home alarm permits and false alarms in Gilroy

Historic homes in Gilroy

Gilroy Municipal Code — full text