San Bernardino County, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing code
- Development Code 84.04.040 (Exotic Animals)
- Permit required
- County Special Use Permit (Ch. 85.14) plus Public Health and CDFW permits
- Numeric limit
- Max 2 exotic animals over 6 months without a Conditional Use Permit
- Use type
- Accessory use to a single-family dwelling only
- State overlay
- CA Fish & Game Code / Title 14 CCR restricted-species rules also apply
Summary
Keeping exotic animals in unincorporated San Bernardino County is tightly controlled by Development Code 84.04.040. Exotics are an accessory use to a single-family home, require a county Special Use Permit plus permits from County Public Health and California Fish and Game, and are capped at two over six months old without a Conditional Use Permit.
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). [...] Animal Care (Detrimental Species): 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. The permittee may only possess and provide care for the animal(s) specifically listed on their Department approved permit inventory.
Full Breakdown
14). Before notifying neighbors, the review authority must obtain a statement from the County Veterinarian on the particular animal's mature behavior and personality characteristics, and the neighbor notice must describe the animal type and its behavior. The Special Use Permit does not take effect until Code Enforcement receives written evidence that the applicant has obtained both a permit from the County Public Health Department and a permit from the State Department of Fish and Game. 06). 090(b) setbacks), and must meet all applicable federal and state requirements.
Many exotic and wild species are independently banned or restricted as 'restricted species' under California Fish and Game Code and Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, which the county permit cannot override.
Violations & Fines
Keeping an exotic animal without the required Special Use Permit and the supporting Public Health and Fish and Game permits, or exceeding the two-animal limit without a Conditional Use Permit, is a zoning violation subject to Code Enforcement abatement and penalties. Possessing a state-restricted species without authorization is separately a Fish and Game Code violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I own an exotic animal in unincorporated San Bernardino County?
How many exotic animals can I keep?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.