How Santa Maria Handles Animal Ordinances: A Practical Guide

Santa Maria maintains 50 local ordinances across all categories, and 6 of those deal specifically with animal ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Santa Maria falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Pet Limits

Santa Maria does not cap the number of dogs at a residence by simple ordinance, but Municipal Code Section 12-2.78 defines any property with four or more dogs as a 'kennel,' which is a regulated land use subject to zoning permits. Every dog over four months must also be licensed under Section 5-3.301.

Key details: Kennel threshold: 4 or more dogs (Muni. Code 12-2.78). Dog license required at: 4 months of age. Unaltered cat license: Required. Non-resident exemption: Up to 30 days. Licensing agency: Santa Barbara County Animal Services, 548 W. Foster Rd..

Keeping four or more dogs without a kennel permit is a zoning violation enforced by Code Enforcement; unlicensed dogs are subject to citation and impound. Reclaim fees and back-license fees apply.

Chickens & Livestock

Santa Maria Municipal Code Chapter 5-3, Article 8 (Livestock) bans hogs, swine, stallions, and bulls inside the city limits and requires horses, mules, cattle, sheep, and goats to be kept at least 125 feet from any residence. The RA Residential Agricultural zone is the only zoning district where most livestock can be kept, and only on parcels of two acres or more.

Key details: Hogs / swine / stallions / bulls: Banned citywide (Muni. Code 5-3.801). Livestock setback from any dwelling: 125 feet (Muni. Code 5-3.803). Hen limit (backyard): Up to 5 hens, no roosters. Chicken coop setback: 20 feet from neighboring dwellings. Where livestock is allowed: RA zone, lots of 2+ acres, max 2 animals/acre.

Violations of Chapter 5-3 are misdemeanors. Zoning violations (keeping livestock in a non-RA zone, undersized parcel, or inadequate setbacks) are abatable nuisances enforced by the Community Development Department's Code Enforcement Division.

Compared to other cities, Santa Maria takes a harder line on chickens & livestock. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Exotic Pets

Exotic pet ownership in Santa Maria is governed by California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations. Many species require permits or are prohibited entirely.

Key details: Regulation: California CDFW governs. Prohibited: Ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, primates. Permits: Required for some species. Enforcement: CDFW and County Animal Services.

Keeping prohibited exotic animals results in confiscation and fines under California law.

Dog Leash Laws

Santa Maria requires dogs to be leashed when off the owner's property. Dogs must be under control at all times. Santa Barbara County Animal Services enforces animal ordinances.

Key details: Leash Required: On all public property. Off-Leash: Designated areas only. Cleanup: Required. Enforcement: SB County Animal Services.

Violations result in citations and fines. Dogs running at large may be impounded by County Animal Services.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Santa Maria actively enforces its dog leash laws requirements.

Breed Restrictions

Santa Maria has no breed-specific ban. Pit bulls, Rottweilers, and other breeds are legal to own. California Food and Agricultural Code Section 31683 preempts breed-specific dog ordinances statewide except narrow spay/neuter rules. Santa Maria instead uses behavior-based 'restricted' and 'vicious' dog procedures under Chapter 5-3.

Key details: Breed-specific bans: Preempted by Cal. Food & Ag. Code Section 31683. Pit bulls / Rottweilers legal?: Yes. Local approach: Behavior-based 'restricted' / 'vicious' declarations. Dog bite civil liability: Strict liability (Cal. Civ. Code Section 3342). Spay/neuter ordinances by breed: Allowed (Cal. H&S Code Section 122331).

Owning a dog declared vicious without complying with confinement/muzzling/insurance terms set by the Animal Services Director is a misdemeanor and can result in seizure and destruction of the animal. Strict civil liability for bites also attaches under Cal. Civ. Code Section 3342, with no 'one free bite' defense.

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

Beekeeping

Beekeeping is allowed in Santa Maria with certain restrictions. Hives should be positioned with consideration for neighbors and flyway barriers may be required.

Key details: Status: Allowed with restrictions. Registration: County Agricultural Commissioner. Flyway Barrier: May be required. Water: On-site source recommended.

Bee-related nuisance complaints may trigger code enforcement. Aggressive colonies may need to be relocated.

The Bottom Line

Santa Maria is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 6 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Santa Maria, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Santa Maria can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.