Exotic animal ownership in unincorporated SB County is primarily governed by California Code of Regulations Title 14, §671, which restricts many exotic species. County zoning determines whether exotic animals are allowed as primary or conditional use.
Exotic animal ownership in unincorporated San Bernardino County is governed by both state law and county zoning. California Code of Regulations Title 14, §671 prohibits possession of many exotic species including primates, large cats, bears, venomous reptiles, and others without special permits from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. County Development Code Chapter 84.04 classifies animal keeping by intensity: §84.04.070 (Primary Use — requires appropriate zoning), §84.04.080 (Conditional Use Permit required — more intensive animal keeping), and §84.04.090 (Accessory Use — limited small animals). The county's desert areas are home to protected wildlife including the Mojave Desert Tortoise (federally threatened) — collecting or keeping wild tortoises is illegal. Pot-bellied pigs are treated similarly to dogs/cats for pet limit purposes.
Prohibited exotic animal: state citation and confiscation. Conditional use without permit: Code Enforcement citation.
San Bernardino County, CA
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See how San Bernardino County's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
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