Chico, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Rule
- Ban unless zone allows it
- Governing definition
- Exotic Animals, § 19.04.020
- Permitted animals list
- Table 5-10, no exotics listed
- Default penalty
- Infraction, up to $1,000
- Enforcement
- Animal Control Supervisor, Title 7
Summary
Chico prohibits keeping any exotic, non-domesticated animal within city limits unless a zoning provision specifically allows it, and none does for wild or exotic pets.
It is unlawful to keep within the city any animal of any species for any purpose except where specifically permitted in a particular zone by provisions of the zoning laws of the city. This provision does not apply to the riding or transporting of animals through the city.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Supplement contains local legislation current through: Codified Resolution No. 53-26, adopted 7-14-26 and Ordinance No. 2622, adopted 6-2-26).
Full Breakdown
Chico Municipal Code § 7.20.010 makes it unlawful to keep any animal of any species in the city unless a particular zone specifically permits it. The zoning code's animal-keeping standards (§ 19.76.040, Table 5-10) list only household pets, dogs, bees, and specific farm species: horses, cattle, goats, sheep, hogs, poultry, rabbits, and miniature pot-bellied pigs. "Exotic Animals," defined at § 19.04.020 as non-domesticated animals not commonly known as household pets or farm animals, appear nowhere on that permitted list, so keeping one anywhere in the city is barred by the zone-by-zone permission requirement.
Violations & Fines
Keeping a prohibited animal is a code violation; absent a specified misdemeanor penalty, city-code violations default to an infraction punishable by a fine up to $1,000 per occurrence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a pet monkey, wolf-dog, or big cat in Chico?
What counts as an 'exotic animal' under Chico's code?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chico
California rules heatmap·Compare Chico to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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