California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations (14 CCR 671) prohibit most exotic mammals including ferrets, hedgehogs, monkeys, and sugar gliders statewide. El Cajon enforces these state restrictions and additionally regulates animals through ECMC Title 6 and the zoning code Chapter 17.205.
Exotic pet ownership in El Cajon is governed primarily by California state law. The California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 671 lists restricted species that cannot be kept without a special permit. Ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, and all non-human primates are illegal to own as pets in California. Most non-venomous reptiles and common pet birds are legal without permits. The El Cajon Municipal Code Chapter 17.205 (Agriculture and Animals) regulates animal keeping in residential zones. Wild or exotic animals that pose a public safety risk may also be addressed under the city's nuisance provisions. San Diego County Department of Animal Services handles animal complaints at 619-767-2675.
Possession of a restricted species under 14 CCR 671 is a misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $10,000 and/or six months in jail. Animals may be confiscated by CDFW. Local nuisance violations are handled by San Diego County Animal Services.
El Cajon, CA
El Cajon prohibits amplified sound reproduction that disturbs the peace, quiet, or comfort of neighboring residents or businesses. Horn, bell, or mechanical ...
El Cajon, CA
El Cajon addresses barking dogs through general noise provisions and animal control. Animals must be kept so as not to create offensive noise affecting surro...
El Cajon, CA
El Cajon prohibits leaf blower operation between 7 PM and 7 AM within residential zones or 500 feet of them. CA AB 1346 banned the sale of new gas-powered bl...
El Cajon, CA
Industrial and commercial noise in El Cajon is regulated by the zoning performance standards in ECMC Chapter 17.200. Sound levels from any operation or land ...
El Cajon, CA
El Cajon prohibits construction, maintenance, and repair work between 7 PM and 7 AM within residential zones or 500 feet of them. Leaf blowers, mowers, and p...
El Cajon, CA
El Cajon requires paved driveways and off-street parking per ECMC Section 17.245. Off-street parking may not be within 10 feet of a public street, except aut...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Diego County.
See how other cities in San Diego County handle exotic pets.
See how El Cajon's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.