Raleigh banned dangerous wild animals as pets effective Sept 3, 2022 (Ordinance 2022-395, Sec. 12-3004). Prohibited animals include lions, tigers, wolves, non-human primates, medically significant venomous snakes, and crocodilians. $500 civil penalty per animal per day. Animals legally owned before Sept 3, 2022 must be registered.
Enacted after a venomous zebra cobra escaped in a Raleigh neighborhood. Grandfathered owners must register with Animal Control and pay fee. Exemptions for zoos, educational institutions, and veterinary medical treatment. NC has no statewide exotic pet law, making Raleigh's ordinance one of the stricter local rules. NC Wildlife Resources Commission requires Restricted Species Permit for certain species.
$500 civil penalty per animal per day. City reimbursement for impoundment and recapture costs. Animal may be seized and impounded.
Raleigh, NC
Raleigh has no city ordinance regulating residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decor. UDO setback rules in Section 1.5.5 apply to permanent str...
Raleigh, NC
Raleigh has no city ordinance regulating residential holiday inflatables. General noise rules under Raleigh Code Chapter 12 and right-of-way rules under Code...
Raleigh, NC
Raleigh has no city ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. There is no display-window restriction, brightness cap, or duration limit. UDO outdoor l...
Raleigh, NC
Raleigh requires building, gas, electrical, and plumbing trade permits for built-in outdoor kitchens with utility connections under the NC State Building Cod...
Raleigh, NC
Raleigh has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential wood-fired smokers or pizza ovens. Smoke nuisance complaints fall under Raleigh Code Sectio...
Raleigh, NC
Raleigh prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas containers over 1 pound on combustible balconies of multi-family buildings under the North Carolina F...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Wake County.
See how other cities in Wake County handle exotic pets.
See how Raleigh's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.