San Clemente, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required from
- General manager, Coastal Animal Services Authority
- Fee
- Set by city council resolution
- Confinement
- Must not run at large (§ 6.28.030)
- Exemption
- Licensed circus, carnival, traveling exhibits
- Revocation
- General manager may revoke for any violation
- First-offense fine
- Up to $100 (infraction)
Summary
San Clemente bans keeping any wild, exotic or non-domesticated animal without a permit from the general manager of the Coastal Animal Services Authority. Applicants must prove the animal poses no danger and the site meets zoning rules before a permit issues.
No person shall keep or maintain any wild, exotic or non-domesticated animal within the boundaries of the cities served by the authority without first obtaining a permit from the general manager. In addition to all information required in the application, the applicant shall substantiate to the satisfaction of the general manager the following facts: ... A.That the wild/exotic or non-domesticated animal at the location proposed shall not jeopardize, endanger, or otherwise constitute a menace to the public health, safety or general welfare;B.That the proposed site is adequate in size and shape to accommodate the number and type of animals for which the permit is requested without harm to the animals or material detriment to the use, enjoyment or valuation of the property of other persons located in the vicinity of the site; andC.Is in compliance with applicable zoning regulations and other laws.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Traffic: Supplement 30 | Code of Ordinances: Supplement 66 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
28 of the San Clemente Municipal Code makes it unlawful to keep or maintain any wild, exotic or non-domesticated animal within the city without first obtaining a permit from the general manager of the Coastal Animal Services Authority, the joint powers agency that handles animal control for San Clemente and Dana Point. The applicant must satisfy the general manager on three points: the animal will not endanger public health, safety or welfare; the site is adequate in size and shape to house it without harm to the animal or detriment to neighboring property; and the keeping of the animal complies with the zoning code and other applicable laws.
020 sets the license fee by city council resolution rather than in the code itself. 030 requires wild or exotic animals to be confined so they cannot run at large and endanger anyone lawfully on the property. 040 exempts animals caged safely while merely passing through the city, or while under the control of a licensed circus, carnival, traveling show or exhibition. 050, with no separate hearing procedure specified for that revocation.
Violations & Fines
Keeping a wild or exotic animal without a permit is an infraction under Section 6.04.070 unless it is a third violation within a year, which becomes a misdemeanor. Infractions carry fines up to $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second, and $500 for later offenses in the same year; a misdemeanor conviction can bring a fine up to $1,000 or six months in jail under Section 1.16.010. Each day of noncompliance is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to keep an exotic pet in San Clemente?
Who decides whether my permit is approved?
What happens if I keep an exotic animal without a permit?
Are traveling circus animals covered by this rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Clemente
California rules heatmap·Compare San Clemente to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle exotic pets.