Palm Desert, CA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Banned
- Feeding, causing to be fed, or leaving food for birds and fowl
- Birds covered
- Wild and domestic birds and fowl
- Where it applies
- Inside public parks and recreation areas only
- Governing section
- Municipal Code § 11.01.080(Z)
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor under Chapter 1.12; fine up to $1,000
Summary
In the City of Palm Desert, California, no one can feed, cause to be fed, or leave food for consumption by wild or domestic birds and fowl inside a public park or recreation area. The ban is Municipal Code § 11.01.080(Z) and covers birds only, not other wildlife.
Within the limits of any public park or recreation area of the city, no person shall: ... Z. No person shall feed or cause to be fed or leave food for consumption by any wild or domestic birds and/or fowl.
Full Breakdown
The feeding ban is subsection (Z) of § 11.01.080, which opens "Within the limits of any public park or recreation area of the city, no person shall." Subsection (Z) reads that no person shall feed or cause to be fed or leave food for consumption by any wild or domestic birds and/or fowl. Three behaviors are covered: feeding birds yourself, causing someone else to feed them, and leaving food out for them to eat. Both wild birds and domestic fowl are named, so tossing bread to ducks or geese at a park pond and setting out seed are each a violation.
The scope is narrow. The section names birds and fowl only. It does not print a feeding ban for deer, coyotes or other wildlife, and this page does not quote any citywide wildlife feeding ordinance, because the provision found applies only inside parks. "Park" is defined in § 11.01.010 as any park, playground, athletic facilities, recreation area or center, or other area or structure maintained and operated by the city itself or with another governmental or private entity. Section 11.01.040 applies the chapter to the grounds, roadways, avenues and buildings under the control of the director of public works.
Two neighboring subsections work with it. Subsection (J) prohibits leaving garbage, cans, bottles, papers or other refuse anywhere other than in receptacles provided, and subsection (U) prohibits hunting, frightening, chasing, catching, injuring or destroying any animal or bird or disturbing the eggs or young of a bird. Subsection (F) also bars wading in or polluting the water of any fountain, pond, lake or stream except at designated places.
The city manager can post rules and signs for any park under § 11.01.070, and disobeying a posted sign or rule is itself prohibited. Under § 11.01.050 the city manager, director of public works, designees and park attendants can eject a violator, and a peace officer can eject instead of arresting or citing. The person ejected cannot return to the same park or building on the same calendar day without permission.
Violations & Fines
Section 11.01.230 makes a violation of Chapter 11.01 unlawful and a misdemeanor in accordance with Chapter 1.12. Under § 1.12.010 the fine does not exceed one thousand dollars and imprisonment does not exceed six months, though violations are prosecuted as infractions without imprisonment unless the city attorney moves otherwise for repeat or particularly harmful offenses. Each day is a separate offense under § 1.12.040.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed ducks at a Palm Desert park pond?
Does the ban cover deer or other wildlife?
Does the rule apply in my backyard in Palm Desert?
What is the penalty for feeding birds in a park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Desert
California rules heatmap·Compare Palm Desert to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Wildlife Feeding in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Riverside County handle wildlife feeding.