Keeping exotic or wild animals in the City of Sonoma is prohibited without proof of proper state approvals under Sonoma Municipal Code §8.06.120. The municipal code adopts the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's restricted species list — possession of restricted species requires a permit issued under Cal. Fish & Game Code §2118.
Sonoma Municipal Code §8.06.120 (in Chapter 8.06 — Prohibited Conduct) prohibits the maintenance of exotic animals without proof of proper approvals. SMC 8.02.040 defines 'exotic animal' as any wild animal as determined by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The state restricted species list is codified at California Fish and Game Code §2118, which makes it unlawful to import, transport, possess, or release alive any restricted wild animal except under a revocable, nontransferable CDFW permit. Restricted species include most large cats, primates, wolves, foxes, ferrets, monk parakeets, certain reptiles, and many others enumerated in Cal. Code Regs. tit. 14 §671. The legislative intent of §2118 is to protect native wildlife, agricultural interests, and public health and safety. Possession without a permit is a misdemeanor.
Possession of restricted/exotic species without state approval violates both SMC §8.06.120 (municipal infraction — base fine $100 escalating to $500 under SMC 1.12.010) and Cal. Fish & Game Code §2118 (misdemeanor — up to six months in jail and/or fines up to $1,000 per Cal. Fish & Game Code §12000). The animal may be seized and CDFW may pursue forfeiture.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Sonoma, CA
Public parks in the City of Sonoma have set operating hours under Sonoma Municipal Code §9.12.050. Plaza Park and Depot Park are operated by Sonoma County Re...
Sonoma, CA
The City of Sonoma does not have a stand-alone juvenile curfew ordinance in its municipal code. Minors are still subject to California Education Code §48264 ...
Sonoma, CA
The City of Sonoma does not operate a centralized 'no-knock' registry, but a clearly posted 'No Solicitors' or 'No Trespassing' sign at the entrance of priva...
Sonoma, CA
Door-to-door commercial solicitors and peddlers in the City of Sonoma must hold a City business license under SMC Title 5 (§5.04). Non-commercial canvassing ...
Sonoma, CA
Sidewalk vending is legal statewide under the Safe Sidewalk Vending Act (SB 946, Cal. Gov. Code §§51036–51039). California cities may not ban sidewalk vendin...
Sonoma, CA
Mobile food vendors in Sonoma may operate on private property with the owner's consent and in compliance with zoning, and on public sidewalks subject to the ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Sonoma County.
See how other cities in Sonoma County handle exotic pets.
See how Sonoma's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.