Costa Mesa's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Costa Mesa, California, there are 7 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Pet Limits

Costa Mesa caps most households at five animals over four months old on one property. Section 3-14 of the Municipal Code makes it unlawful to keep, possess or harbor more without a special permit from the police chief, unless the premises is a licensed animal-related business.

Key details: Household cap: 5 animals over 4 months old per premises. Business exception: Licensed animal-keeping businesses exempt. Over-limit path: Special animal permit from police chief. Age cutoff: Kittens/puppies under 4 months don't count. Appeal window: 15 days to city manager after denial.

Exceeding the five-animal limit without a permit violates Section 3-14 and can result in a correction warning, an infraction citation, or a misdemeanor charge under the title's penalty provision. Animal control can require excess animals to be removed or rehomed until the household comes into compliance or a permit is granted. Permit denials can be appealed to the city manager within 15 days.

Dog Leash Laws

Costa Mesa requires every dog on a street, alley, park or other public place to be on a leash or chain no longer than six feet, held by the person in charge of it. Section 3-112 lets any police or city enforcement officer order an unleashed dog removed from public property on the spot.

Key details: Leash length limit: No more than 6 feet. Where required: Streets, alleys, parks, public places. Enforcement: Immediate removal order by any officer. Related rule: Sec. 3-15 bans dogs running at large. Worst-case outcome: Impoundment or summary destruction if dangerous.

An officer who finds a dog off-leash on public property can order it removed on the spot under Section 3-112, and the owner or handler can be cited for the violation. An animal running at large in violation of Section 3-15 may be impounded, and if it is endangering public safety and cannot be safely captured, it may be summarily destroyed by an officer.

Beekeeping

Costa Mesa bans keeping any hive or swarm of bees without first getting a residential beekeeping permit from the police department. Hives must sit at least 15 feet from property lines and 25 feet from neighboring homes, or be shielded by a six-foot barrier, and only two production hives are allowed per property.

Key details: Permit required: Yes, from police department animal services. Setback from property line: 15 feet minimum. Setback from neighbor's home: 25 feet, or 6-ft barrier instead. Max production hives: 2 per property. Park buffer: 500 ft from four named city preserves.

Keeping bees without the required permit, exceeding the two-production-hive cap, or failing to meet the setback or barrier requirements exposes the keeper to a public nuisance declaration under Title 20, Chapter III, which can lead to citation and an order to remove the hive. A verified complaint from a neighbor with a medically certified bee-sting allergy, defensive bee behavior, abandoned hives, or noncompliance with the city's Best Management Practices can also trigger nuisance enforcement and possible permit revocation.

This is one of the stricter rules in Costa Mesa's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Exotic Pets

Costa Mesa follows California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations prohibiting most exotic animals as pets. Ferrets, hedgehogs, and certain reptiles are restricted or banned under state law. OC Animal Care enforces animal regulations in the city.

Key details: State Law: CA Fish & Game Code §671. Banned Animals: Ferrets, hedgehogs, monkeys. Reptiles: Non-venomous generally allowed. Enforcement: OC Animal Care (714) 935-6848. Permits: CDFW, not for personal pets.

Keeping prohibited exotic animals violates California Fish and Game Code. Animals may be confiscated by OC Animal Care. Violations may result in fines and misdemeanor charges under state law.

This is one of the stricter rules in Costa Mesa's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Breed Restrictions

Costa Mesa doesn't ban any dog breed by name; instead Chapter VII of Title 3 judges animals by behavior, defining "potentially dangerous" and "vicious" animals based on threatening acts or bites, not breed. A police hearing officer can order restraint, a "Beware of Dog" sign, or the animal's removal or destruction.

Key details: Breed-specific ban: None; rules are behavior-based. Severe injury threshold: Muscle tears, sutures, or corrective surgery. Vicious bite pattern: 2+ unprovoked attempts within 12 months. Hearing timeline: 5 to 15 working days after notice. Appeal window: 15 days to a different superior officer.

Violating a restraint or posting order under Sections 3-165 or 3-166 exposes the owner to prosecution and the animal to summary destruction. A vicious-animal determination under Section 3-167 can result in the animal being banned from the city or humanely destroyed if the owner fails to comply with conditions, doesn't retrieve an impounded animal within 30 days, or releasing the animal would threaten public safety; general title violations are punishable as an infraction or misdemeanor under Section 3-168.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Costa Mesa actively enforces its breed restrictions requirements.

Wildlife Feeding

Costa Mesa prohibits or discourages feeding wildlife including coyotes, feral cats, and pigeons in public areas. Residents must secure trash to prevent wildlife encounters. The city works with OC Animal Care on coyote management programs.

Key details: Coyote Feeding: Prohibited. Wildlife Areas: Talbert, Upper Newport Bay, Fairview. Feral Cats: TNR programs may be coordinated. Trash: Must be secured from wildlife. OC Animal Care: (714) 935-6848.

Deliberately feeding coyotes may result in code enforcement citations and fines. Failure to secure trash attracting wildlife may violate nuisance provisions. Repeat offenders face escalating fines.

This is one of the stricter rules in Costa Mesa's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Chickens & Livestock

Costa Mesa bans keeping livestock, including poultry, anywhere in the city unless the owner first applies to the police chief for a special animal permit and it is granted. The Municipal Code's livestock definition names poultry alongside horses, goats and swine, so backyard chickens fall under the same permit-first rule.

Key details: Poultry status: Included in the code's "livestock" definition. Default rule: Livestock keeping prohibited without a permit. Permitting authority: Costa Mesa Police Chief. Named exemption: OC Fairgrounds and Exposition Center only. Appeal window: 15 days to city manager after denial.

Keeping unpermitted livestock, including backyard poultry, violates Section 3-13 and can draw a correction warning, an infraction citation, or a misdemeanor charge under the title's general penalty provision. Animal control can also require the animals be removed or surrendered until a permit is obtained. A denied applicant has 15 days from the police chief's written notice to appeal to the city manager, whose decision is final.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Costa Mesa actively enforces its chickens & livestock requirements.

The Bottom Line

Costa Mesa is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 5 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Costa Mesa, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

All of the above reflects Costa Mesa's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.