San Jacinto, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Wild animals have their own line in Table 4-5 (Animal Keeping Standards) of § 17.430.050. The row sends readers to the wild animal standards, lists the RE and RR zones, and sets the required permit as CUP, a conditional use permit under Chapter 17.605. The table's cross-reference prints as Section 17.430.050H, but the wild animal standards print as subsection J, because subsection H covers noncommercial poultry. The Animal Keeping definition in Article 8 excludes wild animals as defined in Municipal Code Section 6.04.010, so the line between household pets and wild animals is drawn by the animal control ordinance adopted in Chapter 6.04.

A conditional use permit goes to the Commission for a public hearing, with notice under Chapter 17.710, and the Commission approves or disapproves it. One required finding is that the use will not be materially detrimental to the health, safety and general welfare of the public. For animal permits, subsection B.2 tells the review authority to evaluate how the animals will be housed or confined and whether the site is adequate, and it can limit the maximum number of animals as appropriate to the site, the surrounding land uses and the species.

Subsection J then sets the operating standards. The keeping of wild animals can require approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of Public Health, California Department of Fish and Game, and/or the California Department of Food and Agriculture, and the Riverside County Agricultural Commissioner, in addition to City approval. Cages or enclosures must be a recommended size and type of construction that allows reasonable freedom of movement but precludes escape, and they stay clean and sanitary at all times, with adequate food, water, shelter and veterinary care. Adequate safeguards must block unauthorized access. If an animal escapes, the owner must immediately notify the Animal Control Officer or Police Department and make every reasonable effort to recapture it. The Animal Control Officer can inspect at intervals the Officer decides, a wild animal is transported in an escape-proof enclosure, and the owner is liable for injury or damage to private or public property.