California Fish & Game Code §3503 to §3516 protect native birds, nests, and eggs, with raptors and migratory species getting enhanced safeguards. Santa Clara County Title C reinforces wildlife protection by banning intentional harm and feeding in unincorporated areas.
California Fish & Game Code §§3503-3516 protect virtually every native bird, prohibiting taking or possessing birds, nests, or eggs without a permit. Raptors get enhanced protection under §3503.5, and migratory non-game birds are covered by §3513, mirroring the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. In unincorporated Santa Clara County, SCC Title C and related health and safety rules ban intentional harm to wildlife (firearm discharge, poisoning, certain trapping) and intentional wildlife feeding that creates nuisance flocks. CDFW handles bird-specific enforcement; SCC Animal Services and the Sheriff respond to local wildlife harm calls. Hummingbirds, hawks, and owls are common residents.
Killing or harassing protected birds, or destroying active nests with eggs or chicks, can mean misdemeanor charges under Fish & Game Code §3503 plus federal MBTA exposure. SCC Title C violations add county citations, fines, and possible criminal referral.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto Airport (PAO) enforces a voluntary curfew and noise abatement procedures, with FAA preemption limiting local authority over flight operations.
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto prohibits amplified music audible beyond the property line during quiet hours and requires a special event permit for outdoor amplification in publ...
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto enforces strict decibel limits by zone under PAMC 9.10.040: 60 dBA day / 50 dBA night in residential, scaling up to 70 dBA in manufacturing zones.
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto permits construction Monday-Friday 8am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 6pm, with no work allowed on Sundays or holidays under PAMC 9.10.060.
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto requires encroachment permits for new driveways, regulates curb cut dimensions, and prohibits blocking sidewalks or adjacent driveways under traffi...
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto restricts RV, trailer, and boat storage on public streets and requires screening for large recreational vehicles on residential property under zoni...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Santa Clara County.
See how Palo Alto's bird protection rules stack up against other locations.
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