Animal Ordinances in Mountain View, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in Mountain View or are thinking about moving there, animal ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Mountain View has 7 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of animal ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.
Dog Leash Laws
All dogs in Mountain View public spaces must be on a leash no longer than six feet unless in a designated off-leash park, with Shoreline Park featuring a dedicated dog area.
Key details: Max leash length: 6 feet. Off-leash areas: Shoreline Dog Park. First offense: Around 75 dollars. Waste required: Owner must pick up. Enforcement: SVACA and Park Rangers.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Breed Restrictions
Mountain View does not impose breed-specific restrictions, consistent with California Food and Agricultural Code 31683 which preempts breed-based bans, but regulates dangerous dogs by behavior.
Key details: City breed ban: None. State preemption: F&A Code 31683. Dangerous dog law: Behavior-based. HOA restrictions: Allowed. Hearing agency: SVACA.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The rules around breed restrictions in Mountain View lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
Wildlife Feeding
Feeding wild animals including deer, raccoons, coyotes, and waterfowl is prohibited in Mountain View to prevent dependency and safety issues, especially near Shoreline Park habitat areas.
Key details: Wild mammal feeding: Prohibited. Waterfowl feeding: Restricted. Songbird feeders: Allowed with maintenance. Feral cat feeding: Restricted. First offense fine: Around 100 dollars.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Exotic Pets
Mountain View prohibits ownership of wild and exotic animals consistent with California Fish and Game Code, limiting residents to common domestic pets and certain small reptiles.
Key details: Governing law: CA Fish and Game Code. Ferrets: Illegal statewide. Big cats: Prohibited. Venomous reptiles: Prohibited. Enforcement: SVACA and CDFW.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is one of the stricter rules in Mountain View's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Chickens & Livestock
Mountain View allows a limited number of hens in residential zones with setback requirements; roosters are prohibited and larger livestock is generally not allowed on standard lots.
Key details: Hens allowed: Up to 4 typically. Roosters: Prohibited. Coop setback: 20 feet from dwellings. Large livestock: Generally prohibited. Enforcement: SVACA.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Beekeeping
Mountain View allows hobby beekeeping on residential properties with hive setback and flyway requirements to minimize neighbor conflicts.
Key details: Hives small lot: Up to 2. Property line setback: 10 feet. Dwelling setback: 25 feet. Flyway barrier: 6 foot fence or hedge. County registration: Required.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Livestock
Traditional livestock such as cattle, horses, goats, and pigs are generally prohibited on Mountain View residential lots, with limited exceptions for large agricultural-zoned parcels.
Key details: Horses: Prohibited. Cattle: Prohibited. Goats: Generally prohibited. Pigs: Prohibited except potbellied. Ag zoning in city: None.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is one of the stricter rules in Mountain View's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
The Bottom Line
Mountain View 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 Mountain View, 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 Mountain View'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.