LA County Code Title 10, Section 10.28.060 requires a license to keep wild animals in unincorporated areas. Many exotic species are prohibited entirely. California Fish and Game Code further restricts ownership of non-native wildlife.
LA County Code Section 10.28.060 requires a license from the Department of Animal Care and Control for keeping any wild animal within the Department's jurisdiction. Wild animals include non-domesticated mammals, reptiles, and birds not commonly kept as pets. Certain species are entirely prohibited, including big cats, bears, primates, venomous reptiles, and wolves. California Fish and Game Code Section 2118 additionally prohibits possession of restricted species without a special permit from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Exotic birds and certain reptiles may be kept with proper licensing. The keeping of wild animals must not create a public safety risk or nuisance. Facilities must meet minimum enclosure standards for the specific species.
Keeping a wild animal without a license: misdemeanor under Title 10, fines up to $500 and/or 6 months in jail. Animals may be seized and relocated. State Fish and Game Code violations carry separate fines up to $1,000.
Altadena, CA
Trimming protected oak trees (≥8 in DBH) requires an Oak Tree Permit if the work enters the protected zone or removes >25% of crown. Street trees in the publ...
Altadena, CA
In Altadena's Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, grass and weeds must be kept under 3 inches under LA County Fire Code Title 32 defensible-space rules.
Altadena, CA
LA County Fire's Brush Clearance program also functions as the weed-abatement ordinance — vacant and improved lots must keep weeds and grasses cut to under 3...
Altadena, CA
Outdoor watering in Altadena (served by Lincoln Avenue Water Co., Las Flores Water Co., Rubio Cañon, and Kinneloa Irrigation District) is limited to 2 days p...
Altadena, CA
Oak trees (genus Quercus) with a trunk circumference of 25 inches or more (8-inch diameter at 4.5 ft above grade) are protected — removal, damage, or encroac...
Altadena, CA
Commercial filming in Altadena's unincorporated areas requires a permit from FilmLA (the official film office contracted by LA County). Permits cover insuran...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle exotic pets.
See how Altadena's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
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