San Diego County, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Wild animal defined
- County Code 62.602(mm); CA Fish & Game Code 2116 et seq., 14 CCR 671
- One wild animal
- Accessory use if kept per State/local law (Zoning Sec. 3100 Note 3)
- More than one
- Specialty Animal Raising: Wild/Undomesticated – Minor Use Permit (ZAP)
- State permits
- CA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife restricted/prohibited species lists
- Banned species
- Many exotics prohibited statewide under 14 CCR 671
Summary
Wild or undomesticated animals are tightly limited in unincorporated San Diego County. The Zoning Ordinance allows one wild or undomesticated animal as an accessory use if kept in conformance with State and local law; keeping more is 'Specialty Animal Raising: Wild or Undomesticated' and requires a Minor Use Permit. State permits also apply.
rts, or possesses any restricted animal listed in Section 671(c), Title 14, of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) (PDF) . Entitlements Fee Description Restricted Species Permit Application/Amendment New: $155.53 Renewal and Amendment: $80.60 Required for every new permit, permit renewal or amendment of an existing permit, nonrefundable. Restricted Species Permit Inspection 1-5 Enclosures: $319.50 6-25 Enclosures: $448.00 26-50 Enclosures: $730.00 51-100 Enclosures: $1,147.50 101-500+ Enclosures: $4,234.50 Aquaculture: $2,124.75 ELE/MOU: $619.25 Required for every new permit or renewal of an existing permit. New and Renewal Inspection Fees Based on Number of Enclosures.
Full Breakdown
In the unincorporated County, the keeping of exotic or wild animals is controlled by the Zoning Ordinance Animal Regulations and by California law. , that is not normally domesticated or not allowed in California. Under the Animal Schedule at Section 3100, Note 3, one wild or undomesticated animal kept in conformance with State and local requirements is an accessory use (subject to the Accessory Use Regulations at Section 6150) and is not counted against the Animal Schedule. Keeping more than one wild or undomesticated animal falls under 'Specialty Animal Raising: Wild or Undomesticated' (Section 3100(f)), which generally requires a Minor Use Permit (ZAP).
and 14 CCR section 671 classify many species as restricted or prohibited and require a permit from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Common 'exotic' mammals such as ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, and many reptiles and birds are governed by these State lists, and some are flatly banned statewide. Anyone considering an exotic pet should confirm both the parcel's Animal Designator and zoning, and whether the species is restricted or prohibited under State law, before acquiring the animal.
Violations & Fines
Keeping a restricted or prohibited species without the required State permit violates California Fish and Game Code and 14 CCR 671. Keeping more than one wild or undomesticated animal without the required Minor Use Permit violates the County Zoning Ordinance (Section 3100).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep an exotic pet in unincorporated San Diego County?
How does the County define a 'wild animal'?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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