Dogs must be on a leash in all public areas in Santa Monica. Off-leash dogs are only permitted in designated dog parks. The city enforces leash laws through Animal Control and SMPD.
Under SMMC §4.04.150 and §4.04.160, no person having control, charge, or custody of any animal shall allow it to be at large on any public street or public place. Dogs that are properly licensed and tagged may be on public streets, parks, or other public places if restrained by a chain or leash of a fixed length of six feet or less, attached to a collar or harness, and in custody of a competent person. An exemption exists for designated off-leash areas established by City Council resolution, provided users comply with all posted rules. Dangerous dogs must be muzzled and on a leash controlled by a responsible adult on all public property.
Unleashed dogs on public property violate SMMC §4.04.150. Infractions may result in fines. Dangerous dogs at large may be impounded by Animal Control.
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 dog leash laws.
See how Santa Monica's dog leash laws rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.