Palo Alto follows California state law prohibiting most exotic species including primates, large cats, venomous reptiles, and ferrets without a state permit.
Palo Alto defers to California Fish and Game Code section 2118 and Title 14 CCR 671 for exotic animal restrictions, which ban private ownership of monkeys, large cats, wolves, crocodilians, venomous reptiles, and ferrets without a specific state permit (rarely granted). Common exotic pets that are allowed without a state permit include most parrots, non-venomous snakes, lizards (excluding Gila monsters), hedgehogs, sugar gliders, and chinchillas. Palo Alto adds no additional restrictions beyond state law, but PAMC Title 6 requires all pets to be kept in sanitary conditions that do not create odor, noise, or vector issues. The city enforces through Santa Clara County Animal Services and coordinates with California Department of Fish and Wildlife for serious violations.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto prohibits amplified music audible beyond the property line during quiet hours and requires a special event permit for outdoor amplification in publ...
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto Airport (PAO) enforces a voluntary curfew and noise abatement procedures, with FAA preemption limiting local authority over flight operations.
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto enforces strict decibel limits by zone under PAMC 9.10.040: 60 dBA day / 50 dBA night in residential, scaling up to 70 dBA in manufacturing zones.
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto permits construction Monday-Friday 8am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 6pm, with no work allowed on Sundays or holidays under PAMC 9.10.060.
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto requires encroachment permits for new driveways, regulates curb cut dimensions, and prohibits blocking sidewalks or adjacent driveways under traffi...
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto restricts RV, trailer, and boat storage on public streets and requires screening for large recreational vehicles on residential property under zoni...
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