Unincorporated Orange County limits residential households to a combined number of dogs and cats over four months old, with kennel or cattery permits required for properties keeping more than the baseline allowance.
OCCO Title 1 and Title 7 zoning code together cap most single-family residential properties at three dogs and three cats over four months of age in unincorporated areas. Larger lots in agricultural or estate zones may keep more with a kennel or cattery permit issued through OC Animal Care and OC Planning. Multi-family properties commonly have lower limits set by HOA or landlord. Foster animals registered with a recognized rescue may be exempt up to specified caps. Excess animals discovered during nuisance investigations may require rehoming or permitting.
Over-limit households face notice to comply within thirty days; continued violation can bring fines of one hundred to five hundred dollars per excess animal.
Costa Mesa, CA
Costa Mesa requires dogs off their own property to be on a 6-foot or shorter leash held by a person who can completely control the dog at all times. The only...
Costa Mesa, CA
Costa Mesa does not impose breed-specific legislation. California state law preempts cities from banning or restricting dogs based solely on breed. All breed...
See how other cities in Orange County handle pet limits.
See how Costa Mesa's pet limits rules stack up against other locations.
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