Pets, chickens and bees in Lathrop: the local rules

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

What Lathrop's code says

Lathrop code What Lathrop's code adds
Bees	With an animal control permit: at most 2 hives per lot, none within 50 feet of a property line. Applies: Applies to bees or beehives kept within the city. § 6.16.110 · code text No hive shall be kept or maintained within 50 feet of any property line of the lot or parcel of land upon which it is situated. Yes; at least 200 feet from any dwelling other than the owner's, or any public place, school or park. Applies: Applies to issuing a permit for keeping bees. § 6.16.110 · code text Will be housed not less than 200 feet from any dwelling unit other than that of the bee owner, or any public place, school or park.
Chickens	Up to 12 adult fowl or rabbits in total; no roosters. Applies: Only where zoning allows; rabbits need a lot of at least one-third of an acre. § 6.16.020 · code text No person shall keep or maintain in the city more than 12 mature fowl or rabbits, or combination thereof.
Large animals	Up to 2 adult livestock animals; adult male goats or sheep must be neutered. Applies: Only on lots of at least 1 acre, where zoning allows. § 6.16.020 · code text No person shall keep or maintain more than two adult livestock animals. However, no adult male goat or sheep shall be kept or maintained unless neutered.
Permit	Animal control permit needed; at most 2 hives per lot, kept 200 feet from other homes, public places, schools, parks. Applies: Applies to bees or beehives kept in the city. No hive within 50 feet of a property line. § 6.16.110 · code text Every person who wishes to keep, possess or maintain bees or beehives within the city will first obtain a permit from the animal control department.

Who this affects

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Frequently asked questions

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

Lathrop's code: Up to 12 adult fowl or rabbits in total; no roosters. (Only where zoning allows; rabbits need a lot of at least one-third of an acre.) (§ 6.16.020); With an animal control permit: at most 2 hives per lot, none within 50 feet of a property line. (Applies to bees or beehives kept within the city.) (§ 6.16.110).

Pets, chickens and bees in Lathrop

What Lathrop's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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