Ohio's Dangerous Wild Animals Act (ORC Chapter 935) bans possessing a dangerous wild animal - big cats, bears, primates, large constricting and venomous snakes, and more - as of January 1, 2014, unless grandfathered with an ODA permit. This applies in Hamilton County; the county itself sets no separate exotic-pet
After the 2011 Zanesville exotic-animal release, Ohio enacted the Dangerous Wild Animals and Restricted Snakes Act (ORC Chapter 935). ORC 935.02 prohibits possessing a dangerous wild animal on or after January 1, 2014, with narrow exceptions for facilities and owners who obtained permits or wildlife-shelter/propagation authorization from the Ohio Department of Agriculture. 'Dangerous wild animals' include lions, tigers, bears, elephants, primates (except some monkeys), alligators, and large constricting/venomous snakes are 'restricted snakes' needing a permit. This statewide ban applies to residents throughout Hamilton County; ODA, not the county, administers permits and enforcement. Common pets (dogs, cats, ferrets, most reptiles and birds) are unaffected. Cities may add further limits under home rule.
Illegal possession of a dangerous wild animal is a misdemeanor escalating to a felony for repeat offenses under ORC 935.99, and the Ohio Department of Agriculture may seize the animal.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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Backyard composting is legal in Hamilton County, and no county permit is needed for a home compost pile. Ohio bans yard waste from landfills (ORC 3734.121 / ...
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Hamilton County has no ordinance governing artificial turf in yards. Whether synthetic lawn is allowed, and any drainage or setback conditions, is set by you...
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Hamilton County does not require or restrict native-plant landscaping. You may plant native gardens and pollinator beds. The only limit is weed and nuisance ...
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Rain barrels and rainwater collection for outdoor use are legal in Hamilton County with no county permit. If harvested rainwater is plumbed for drinking or h...
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Hamilton County imposes no lawn-watering schedule. Ohio is not a drought-restricted state, so there is no odd/even or day-of-week watering rule. Your water u...
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Ohio's noxious-weed laws apply, not a county ordinance. On municipal land, ORC 731.51 orders weeds cut within five days of written notice; on unincorporated ...
See how Hamilton County's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
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