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.
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