Santa Monica does not impose breed-specific legislation. All dogs must be licensed per CA Food & Ag Code §30500+. Dangerous dog determinations are based on individual behavior rather than breed.
Under SMMC §4.04.410, when the Animal Control Officer notifies the person having care, custody, and control of an animal that the animal is dangerous, the person must keep it securely restrained on their premises by a chain attached to collar/harness or within a strong enclosure. Dangerous dogs must additionally be muzzled and on a leash controlled by a responsible adult at all times on public streets, sidewalks, parks, or any public place. Santa Monica does not impose breed-specific legislation (BSL), following California state policy. Dangerous dog determinations are based on individual behavior, not breed.
Failure to restrain a dangerous dog is a violation of SMMC §4.04.410. The animal may be impounded. Owners face fines and potential criminal liability for injuries caused by unrestrained dangerous dogs.
Santa Monica, CA
Portable fire pits on private property in Santa Monica must comply with South Coast AQMD regulations. Burns are prohibited on spare-the-air days. Beach fires...
Santa Monica, CA
Properties in fire hazard zones near Santa Monica must maintain defensible space per CA PRC §4291. Santa Monica itself is largely urban/coastal with limited ...
Santa Monica, CA
Open burning is generally prohibited in Santa Monica under the adopted California Fire Code and SCAQMD Rule 444. Special Event Permits are required for outdo...
Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica proper has low wildfire risk as a coastal urban city. The city is not in a State Responsibility Area. Some nearby areas in the Santa Monica Moun...
Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica mandates recycling under SB 1383 organics diversion requirements. The city's Resource Recovery Division provides recycling collection. Commercia...
Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica provides bulky item pickup through the Resource Recovery Division. Items should be placed at the curb and labeled 'For City Pick-up.' Removal wi...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle breed restrictions.
See how Santa Monica's breed restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.