Stonecrest, GA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Covered species
- Pit vipers, coral snakes, gators, big constrictors
- Approval authority
- City Manager, prior written approval (Sec. 5-15)
- Standard
- Restraint/confinement common for the species
- Ongoing violation
- Each day unapproved is a separate offense
- Exhibitions
- Need Georgia DNR exotic-species compliance
Summary
In the City of Stonecrest, City Code Sec. 5-15 bars anyone from owning, keeping or housing a 'hazardous animal,' a category Sec. 5-1 defines to include pit vipers, coral snakes, poisonous spiders, large reptiles, alligators, crocodiles and large constricting snakes over ten feet, unless the city manager gives prior written approval.
Hazardous animal means an animal that may be harmful to humans or other animals by virtue of its ability to produce poison or, due to its size and feeding habits, could prey on humans as a food source. Hazardous animals include, but are not limited to, pit vipers (genus Crotalidae), coral snakes (genus Micrurus), poisonous spiders, frogs, large reptiles, Nile monitors, caiman, alligators, crocodiles, and large constricting snakes greater than ten feet in length. ... No person shall own, keep, harbor, house, or permit to be kept, harbored or housed, a hazardous animal within the City of Stonecrest, unless granted prior written approval from the city manager. Written approval may be granted upon presentation of photographic proof that the animal will be kept adequately restrained or confined as is common for the species.
Full Breakdown
Sec. 5-1 defines 'hazardous animal' broadly around the danger the species poses rather than intent to keep it as a pet, naming pit vipers (genus Crotalidae), coral snakes (genus Micrurus), poisonous spiders, frogs, large reptiles, Nile monitors, caiman, alligators, crocodiles, and large constricting snakes longer than ten feet. Sec. 5-15 makes owning, keeping, harboring, or housing any such animal in Stonecrest unlawful by default; the only path to lawful possession is prior written approval from the city manager, granted on photographic proof the animal will be kept 'adequately restrained or confined as is common for the species.' This sits apart from the dangerous/vicious classification track in Sec.
5-10, which is behavior-based and applies to any species, including ordinary dogs. Businesses that display hazardous or exotic species commercially face an additional layer: the Zoning Ordinance's animal-care-facility standards at Sec. 4.2.11.F through .H restrict indoor and outdoor animal exhibitions to specific commercial and conservation-overlay zoning districts, and Sec. 4.2.11.G requires compliance with USDA Animal Welfare Act licensing, Georgia DNR regulations on nonnative and native wildlife species, and DeKalb County's own hazardous-animal code. Enforcement of the private-possession ban runs through the Police Chief and DeKalb County Animal Control under Sec. 5-19, the same officials who handle other animal-chapter violations.
Violations & Fines
Keeping an unapproved hazardous animal violates Sec. 5-15 and, under Sec. 5-28(a), each day the animal remains in the city without city manager approval counts as a separate offense subject to citation, fine, and/or imprisonment through Stonecrest Municipal Court. An exhibitor operating without the required USDA, Georgia DNR, or DeKalb County clearances referenced in Sec. 4.2.11.G also risks a separate zoning code violation and permit revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I legally keep a pet alligator or venomous snake in Stonecrest?
What animals count as 'hazardous' under Stonecrest's code?
Is a hazardous-animal violation a one-time fine?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Stonecrest
Compare Stonecrest to another location·View the Georgia animal ordinances overview
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