Santa Maria does not cap the number of dogs at a residence by simple ordinance, but Municipal Code Section 12-2.78 defines any property with four or more dogs as a 'kennel,' which is a regulated land use subject to zoning permits. Every dog over four months must also be licensed under Section 5-3.301.
Santa Maria Municipal Code Section 12-2.78 defines a kennel as any lot, building, structure, enclosure, or premises where four or more dogs are kept or maintained for any purpose. Kennels are not allowed by right in residential zones and require zoning approval. Separately, Section 5-3.301 (Animal Licensing) makes it unlawful to own, keep, or control any dog over four months of age, or any unaltered cat, without an Altered or Unaltered Animal License issued by Santa Barbara County Animal Services. Section 5-3.302 exempts dogs and cats owned by non-residents who are traveling through or temporarily in Santa Maria for no more than 30 days. Cats are licensed only if unaltered.
Keeping four or more dogs without a kennel permit is a zoning violation enforced by Code Enforcement; unlicensed dogs are subject to citation and impound. Reclaim fees and back-license fees apply.
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See how Santa Maria's pet limits rules stack up against other locations.
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