Santa Monica, CA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Prohibited locations
- Parks, piers, public beach, off-leash areas, Third Street Promenade, streets/sidewalks
- Fine per violation
- $5–$25
- Authorization required
- City Manager or designee must approve in writing
- Food on ground
- Also prohibited: must be removed immediately
Summary
Feeding animals or birds in Santa Monica parks, piers, the public beach, or designated off-leash areas is prohibited without written authorization from the City Manager.
§ 4.04.390. Restrictions upon feeding of animals and birds in specified areas. (a) No person shall feed any animal or bird in or on the area described in Section 3.36.150 of this Code, the Municipal and Newcomb Piers, the public beach, or in any designated off-leash area of a public park, without authorization from the City Manager or the City Manager's designee. (b) No person shall permit any food or other matter edible by animals or birds to remain on the ground after dispersing or dropping it in or on any park, designated off-leash area, the Municipal and Newcomb Piers, the public beach, or public street or sidewalk, without authorization from the City Manager or the City Manager's designee. (c) Any person violating any of the provisions of this Section shall be guilty of an infraction. Any person convicted of an infraction under the provisions of this Section shall be punishable by a fine of not less than five dollars and not more than twenty-five dollars. Each such person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every commission of any violation of any provision of this Section.
Full Breakdown
The prohibition covers the Third Street Promenade area (§ 3.36.150), the Municipal and Newcomb Piers, all public beaches, and designated off-leash dog park areas. Allowing food to remain on the ground in parks, streets, or sidewalks after dispersing it is equally prohibited. The prohibition is enforced as a separate offense each time a violation occurs.
Violations & Fines
Each violation is a separate infraction with a fine of not less than $5 and not more than $25 per incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed pigeons on the Santa Monica Pier?
What about tossing bread to ducks in a park pond?
Is there a way to get permission to feed wildlife?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Monica to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Wildlife Feeding in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle wildlife feeding.