Redding, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Local Permit
- Site development permit required (18.43.040(I))
- State Restricted List
- 14 CCR Section 671
- State Permit Authority
- California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
- Ferrets, Hedgehogs
- Restricted statewide: generally prohibited as pets
- Standard Household Pets
- Allowed under 18.43.040(A)
- Enforcement
- Redding Code Enforcement + CDFW
Summary
Redding Zoning Ordinance Section 18.43.040(I) provides that the keeping of exotic or wild animals may be permitted only subject to issuance of a site development permit and any required California Fish and Wildlife permits. California Code of Regulations Title 14 Section 671 separately classifies a wide range of species as restricted and requires a permit from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) before they may be imported, transported, or possessed in California: many common exotics (ferrets, hedgehogs, many primates, large carnivores) are prohibited or restricted under state law.
Restricted Species Permits are required for every person who imports, exports, transports, or possesses any restricted animal listed in Section 671(c), Title 14, of the California Code of Regulations (CCR). Restricted Species Permit Application/Amendment: New: $155.53; Renewal and Amendment: $80.60. Restricted Species Permit Inspection: 1-5 Enclosures: $319.50; 6-25 Enclosures: $448.00; 26-50 Enclosures: $730.00. Animal Care (Detrimental Species) $652.25: Issued to any resident who has demonstrated the experience and ability to house animals designated as a detrimental species, and who legally possessed the animal in California prior to January 1992.
Full Breakdown
Redding's local rule is the discretionary permit framework in the Zoning Ordinance. ' A site development permit is the discretionary review process applied to projects with unusual impacts; for an exotic-animal application, the Development Services Department considers public-health and safety, enclosure adequacy, neighbor notice, and any CDFW restricted-species permit before approving. The state-level rule is the heavy constraint. gov/Conservation/Laws-and-Regulations/Restricted-Species) before it may be imported, transported, or possessed in California, and most permit categories are limited to bona fide research, zoological, educational, or scientific purposes, not pet ownership. gov/Conservation/Laws-and-Regulations/Restricted-Species. 040(A), without a site development permit.
Violations & Fines
Possessing an exotic or wild animal in Redding without a site development permit is a zoning violation enforced by Code Enforcement with administrative citations under RMC Chapter 1.13 and abatement orders requiring removal of the animal. Possessing a restricted species under 14 CCR Section 671 without a CDFW permit is a separate offense enforced by CDFW Wildlife Officers under California Fish and Game Code Sections 2118-2118.4 with fines and seizure; animals seized for public-safety reasons are placed with CDFW-authorized facilities at the owner's expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I own a ferret, hedgehog, or sugar glider in Redding, CA?
What exotic animals can I keep in Redding without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Redding
California rules heatmap·Compare Redding to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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