California restricts exotic pets through the Fish & Game Code and CDFW regulations — ferrets and hedgehogs are illegal statewide, and many wild/exotic species are prohibited. These restrictions apply in the City of Monterey.
The City of Monterey defers to state law on exotic pets because it has no choice — the Fish & Game Code and CDFW regulations govern the question for every California jurisdiction. The statewide rules are strict: ferrets and hedgehogs are illegal to keep anywhere in California, and many wild and exotic species are prohibited alongside them. Most common reptiles remain legal without a permit. Before acquiring anything unusual, check CDFW's restricted-species list — it's the same answer in Monterey as everywhere else in the state.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Monterey, CA
The City of Monterey regulates noise through its municipal code, prohibiting loud and disturbing noise with stricter nighttime limits (generally 10 p.m.–7 a....
Monterey, CA
Persistent dog barking in the City of Monterey is enforced under the noise ordinance and animal provisions as a disturbance; chronic barking that disturbs ne...
Monterey, CA
Construction noise in the City of Monterey is limited to daytime hours under the noise ordinance — typically 7 a.m.–7 p.m. weekdays with reduced weekend hour...
Monterey, CA
Driveway approaches in the City of Monterey require an encroachment permit and must meet city standards; vehicles generally must be parked on an approved pav...
Monterey, CA
On-street parking in the City of Monterey is governed by the vehicle code, with extensive metered and time-limited zones downtown and near the wharf, plus 72...
Monterey, CA
RV, trailer and boat storage on residential lots in the City of Monterey is regulated by zoning, which restricts placement and prohibits living in a parked RV.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Monterey County.
See how other cities in Monterey County handle exotic pets.
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