San Clemente Municipal Code 6.28.010 bars keeping any wild, exotic, or non-domesticated animal in the city without a permit from the CASA general manager. Applicants must prove the animal poses no public menace and that the site and zoning are adequate.
SCMC 6.28.010 (Chapter 6.28, Ord. 1797 eff. 11-4-2025) makes it unlawful to keep any wild, exotic, or non-domesticated animal within the cities served by the Coastal Animal Services Authority (CASA) without first obtaining a permit from the general manager. SCMC 6.04.010 defines wild/exotic animals to include monkeys, raccoons, skunks, foxes, snakes, leopards, tigers, lions, and any animal normally found in the wild. To be permitted, the applicant must show the animal will not menace public health or safety, the site is adequate, and keeping complies with zoning. Permits may be revoked (6.28.050). California Fish and Game Code restricted-species rules apply on top of the city permit, and some species are prohibited statewide.
Keeping a wild, exotic, or non-domesticated animal without a permit violates SCMC 6.28.010 and is an infraction, escalating to a misdemeanor on a third Title 6 violation within a year (SCMC 6.04.070). State Fish and Game penalties may also apply.
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