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.

Livestock

Costa Mesa restricts or prohibits keeping livestock such as goats, sheep, horses, and pigs on most residential properties. Livestock keeping is generally limited to properties in agricultural or equestrian zoning districts, which are very limited in the city.

Key details: Most Residential Zones: Livestock prohibited. Roosters: Prohibited in residential zones. Hens: May be limited in some zones. OC Animal Care: (714) 935-6848. Zoning Verification: Development Services (714) 754-5245.

Keeping prohibited livestock in residential zones may result in code enforcement citations, fines, and animal removal orders. Nuisance complaints from neighbors accelerate enforcement action.

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.

Chickens & Livestock

Costa Mesa prohibits livestock (including chickens) unless a special animal permit is approved by the chief of police. Keeping more than 5 domesticated animals also requires a permit. The permit fee is $15.49 non-refundable.

Key details: Livestock/Chickens: Special permit required. Permit Authority: Chief of police discretion. Application Fee: $15.49 non-refundable. Pet Limit: 5 domesticated without permit. Contact: Animal Control — (714) 754-5311.

Keeping livestock without a permit results in code enforcement action and potential animal removal. Permit violations may lead to revocation. Contact Animal Control at (714) 754-5311.

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

Dog Leash Laws

Costa Mesa requires dogs off their own property to be on a 6-foot or shorter leash held by a person who can completely control the dog at all times. The only off-leash exception is Costa Mesa Bark Park.

Key details: Leash Length: 6 feet or shorter. Off-Leash Area: Bark Park only. Control Required: Complete control at all times. License Required: Yes — rabies vaccine needed. Contact: Animal Control — (714) 754-5311.

Dogs running loose off their property are subject to impoundment. Owners face citations and fines for leash law violations. Retrieval fees apply for impounded dogs.

Beekeeping

Costa Mesa requires a residential beekeeping permit for all domesticated hives. Hives must be at least 15 feet from property lines and 25 feet from neighboring residential buildings. The city has updated its beekeeping regulations to allow managed apiaries with permits.

Key details: Permit Required: Yes — residential beekeeping permit. Property Line Setback: 15 feet minimum. Building Setback: 25 ft from neighboring residences. Water Source: On-site provision required. Contact: Animal Control — (714) 754-5311.

Operating beehives without a permit is a code violation. Beekeeping creating nuisance conditions may result in permit revocation and orders to remove hives.

Breed Restrictions

Costa Mesa does not impose breed-specific legislation. California state law preempts cities from banning or restricting dogs based solely on breed. All breeds are permitted subject to licensing, leash, and behavior requirements.

Key details: Breed Bans: None — preempted by state law. State Law: CA Food & Ag Code §31683. Dangerous Dogs: Individual behavior only. All Breeds: License and vaccine required.

No breed restrictions exist. Owners of individually declared dangerous dogs face strict requirements. Non-compliance may result in seizure and potential euthanasia.

The rules around breed restrictions in Costa Mesa lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

The Bottom Line

Costa Mesa is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 2 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.