Pets, chickens and bees in Vacaville: the local rules

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

What Vacaville's code says

Vacaville code What Vacaville's code adds
Bees	Yes, with a Beekeeping Permit; no more than 2 hives. Applies: Applies to lots of at least 20,000 square feet. § 6.24.050 · code text No more than two hives shall be maintained on any property, lot or parcel of land. Hives at least 20 feet from any side property line and 100 feet from others' homes. Applies: Applies to beehives under a Beekeeping Permit. § 6.24.050 · code text No hive shall be kept or maintained within twenty feet of any side property line on the property, lot or parcel of land upon which such hive is situated, or within one hundred feet of any dwelling unit other than that occupied by the person or persons maintaining the hive or hives or other persons residing on such property, lot or parcel of land.
Permit	A Beekeeping Permit is required. Applies: Applies to any hive in a Residential District, or a Commercial District that allows homes. § 6.24.030 · code text No person shall keep, maintain or allow any hive of bees on any lot or parcel of land within any Residential District or any Commercial District within the city where residential uses are allowed or permitted without first obtaining a Beekeeping Permit in accordance with this Chapter.
Pet limit	No more than 3 dogs over 4 months old. Applies: Applies in the residential districts named in the zoning ordinance. § 6.04.220 · code text It is unlawful for anyone to keep, maintain, board or harbor more than three dogs or three cats over four months old on any lot or premises in residential districts in the City designated in the zoning ordinance (Title 14). No more than 3 cats over 4 months old. Applies: Applies in the residential districts named in the zoning ordinance. § 6.04.220 · code text It is unlawful for anyone to keep, maintain, board or harbor more than three dogs or three cats over four months old on any lot or premises in residential districts in the City designated in the zoning ordinance (Title 14).

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

Vacaville's code: Yes, with a Beekeeping Permit; no more than 2 hives. (Applies to lots of at least 20,000 square feet.) (§ 6.24.050); Hives at least 20 feet from any side property line and 100 feet from others' homes. (Applies to beehives under a Beekeeping Permit.) (§ 6.24.050).

Pets, chickens and bees in Vacaville

What Vacaville's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

Ask about a specific Vacaville property

More on building on your lot in Vacaville