Irvine, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Sec. 4-5-1001 bars keeping any wild, exotic, nondomesticated animal or poisonous reptile within City limits without a permit, and requires the applicant to substantiate that the animal won't jeopardize public health, safety or welfare, and that the site is adequate in size and shape without harming the animal or devaluing neighboring property. Sec. 4-5-1004 mirrors the livestock permit criteria: the Director may deny an application if the applicant had a similar permit revoked in the prior six months, was convicted under Penal Code §§ 596-599, or failed to provide adequate food, water or shelter to an animal in the past; the fee is set by City Council resolution under Sec.

4-5-1002. Sec. 4-5-1005 allows revocation or suspension for noncompliance, and Sec. 4-5-1006 provides an appeal under Chapter 14 procedures. Sec. 4-5-1007 makes it unlawful to let a wild, exotic or poisonous animal run at large or endanger anyone lawfully on the premises. Sec. 4-5-1008 exempts animals caged safely while merely passing through the City with a licensed circus, carnival or traveling exhibit. Sec. 4-5-1009 separately bans any unpermitted hive or swarm of bees citywide; permitted hives are limited to nonresidential zones for educational or medical research use and must stay at least 100 yards from any bicycle trail, equestrian trail, pedestrian right-of-way, or residential district.