Los Angeles County, CA Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- Survey window
- 30 days before construction start
- Final check
- Three days before clearing begins
- Songbird buffer
- 300 feet until nest vacated
- Raptor/sensitive-species buffer
- 500 feet until fledglings leave
- Applies in
- Santa Monica Mountains North Area only
Summary
In the Santa Monica Mountains North Area of unincorporated LA County, any vegetation removal or construction near nesting habitat requires a biologist nest survey within 30 days of work, and active songbird nests trigger a 300-foot construction buffer until fledged.
Where vegetation removal and/or construction is proposed in potentially suitable habitat areas for nesting birds during bird nesting season, a series of nesting bird surveys shall be conducted by a qualified biologist... as required under State (Fish & Game Code section 3503) and federal law (Migratory Bird Treaty Act). If an active songbird nest is located, clearing/construction within 300 feet shall be postponed until the nest(s) is vacated and juveniles have fledged and there is no evidence of a second attempt at nesting.
Full Breakdown
Los Angeles County Code Section 22.336.060(A)(5) requires developers in the Santa Monica Mountains North Area Community Standards District, unincorporated hill country stretching toward the Ventura County line, to hire a biologist for pre-construction nest surveys whenever grading or vegetation removal falls within nesting-bird habitat. Surveys start no more than 30 days before work and get a final check within three days of clearing. Find an active songbird nest and construction stops within 300 feet; a raptor or listed-species nest gets a 500-foot no-work zone, both lasting until fledglings leave and there is no second nesting attempt. The rule tracks state Fish and Game Code Section 3503 and the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Violations & Fines
Skipping the survey or disturbing an active nest breaches the permit condition and can bring a County stop-work order, plus state Fish and Game Code Section 3503 or federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act misdemeanor citations from wildlife agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule apply everywhere in unincorporated LA County?
What triggers the nest survey requirement?
What happens if an active nest is found?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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