Pets, chickens and bees in Merced: the local rules

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

What Merced's code says

Merced code What Merced's code adds
Chickens	Yes; up to 5 birds per acre. Applies: Only certain annexed former county farm parcels near McKee, Pettinotti and Mather Roads; elsewhere at most 2 livestock or poultry per residential lot. § 6.04.081 · code text Up to two (2) large animals (i.e., horses, cows, ostriches, and swine) or up to five (5) birds, other than household pets, are permitted per acre parcel.
Large animals	Up to 2 large animals per acre; more need the development services director's approval; no commercial operations. Applies: Only certain annexed former county farm parcels near McKee, Pettinotti and Mather Roads; elsewhere at most 2 livestock or poultry per residential lot. § 6.04.081 · code text Up to two (2) large animals (i.e., horses, cows, ostriches, and swine) or up to five (5) birds, other than household pets, are permitted per acre parcel. More require approval of the director of development services. No commercial operations are allowed. No more than 2 livestock or poultry on any residential lot. Applies: Residential lots citywide, except the listed annexed parcels. § 6.04.080 · code text No person shall keep or maintain more than two (2) livestock or poultry on any residential lot within the city.
Permit	Approval of the director of development services. Applies: More than 2 large animals or 5 birds per acre, only on the listed annexed parcels. § 6.04.081 · code text More require approval of the director of development services.
Pet limit	Dogs and cats in any combination, at most 5 of each. Applies: Single-family home on a lot of 6,000 square feet or more, unless with a kennel or cattery permit. § 6.04.065 · code text 6,000 sq/ft. or greater \| Any combination of dogs and cats not to exceed 5 each unless with a valid kennel or cattery permit. Dogs and cats in any combination, at most 4 of each. Applies: Single-family home on a lot over 5,000 but under 6,000 square feet. § 6.04.065 · code text Less than 6,000 sq/ft. but more than 5,000 sq/ft. \| Any combination of dogs and cats not to exceed 4 each. Dogs and cats in any combination, at most 3 of each. Applies: Single-family home on a lot over 4,000 but under 5,000 square feet. § 6.04.065 · code text Less than 5,000 sq/ft. but more than 4,000 sq/ft. \| Any combination of dogs and cats not to exceed 3 each. Dogs and cats in any combination, at most 2 of each. Applies: Single-family home on a lot over 3,000 but under 4,000 square feet. § 6.04.065 · code text Less than 4,000 sq/ft. but more than 3,000 sq/ft. \| Any combination of dogs and cats not to exceed 2 each. At most 1 dog and 1 cat. Applies: Single-family home on a lot under 3,000 square feet. § 6.04.065 · code text Less than 3,000 sq/ft. \| A maximum of 1 dog and 1 cat. At most 1 cat and 1 dog. Applies: Multifamily dwellings. § 6.04.065 · code text The number of cats and dogs raised and kept in any multifamily dwelling shall be limited to a maximum of one (1) cat and one (1) dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I keep chickens or bees at my home in Merced?

Merced's code: Yes; up to 5 birds per acre. (Only certain annexed former county farm parcels near McKee, Pettinotti and Mather Roads; elsewhere at most 2 livestock or poultry per residential lot.) (§ 6.04.081).

Pets, chickens and bees in Merced

What Merced's code says

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