Santa Monica's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Santa Monica, California, there are 6 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.

Wildlife Feeding

Feeding wildlife in Santa Monica public parks and beaches is discouraged. The city's property maintenance code addresses nuisance conditions from wildlife attraction. Feeding pigeons and pest wildlife can create code violations.

Key details: Parks/Beaches: Wildlife feeding discouraged. Nuisance: Property maintenance violations. Pigeons: Feeding attracts pest wildlife. Enforcement: Code Enforcement.

Warnings for first offense. Fines typically $50 to $500. Repeat violations may result in misdemeanor charges in some jurisdictions.

Beekeeping

Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 4.04.130 permits beekeeping on single-family residential property only, with a limit of two hives per property. Hives must be at least 5 feet from property lines and registered with the City's Animal Control Office. Requeening is required every two years.

Key details: Max Hives: 2 per property. Setback: 5 ft from property lines. Registration: City Animal Control Office. Code: SMMC §4.04.130.

Unregistered hives or non-compliant beekeeping is subject to animal control enforcement, notices to correct, and administrative citations. Animal Control Officers have authority to inspect registered apiaries under Section 4.04.400.

Breed Restrictions

Santa Monica does not impose breed-specific legislation. All dogs must be licensed per CA Food & Ag Code §30500+. Dangerous dog determinations are based on individual behavior rather than breed.

Key details: Breed Bans: None. Licensing: Required for all dogs. Dangerous Dogs: Behavior-based, not breed. State Law: CA Food & Ag Code §30500+.

Failure to restrain a dangerous dog is a violation of SMMC §4.04.410. The animal may be impounded. Owners face fines and potential criminal liability for injuries caused by unrestrained dangerous dogs.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Santa Monica gives residents more flexibility on breed restrictions.

Dog Leash Laws

Dogs must be on a leash in all public areas in Santa Monica. Off-leash dogs are only permitted in designated dog parks. The city enforces leash laws through Animal Control and SMPD.

Key details: Leash Required: Yes, all public areas. Off-Leash: Designated dog parks only. Enforcement: Animal Control and SMPD. State Law: CA Food & Ag Code §30500+.

Unleashed dogs on public property violate SMMC §4.04.150. Infractions may result in fines. Dangerous dogs at large may be impounded by Animal Control.

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

Chickens & Livestock

Backyard chickens are allowed in Santa Monica with restrictions. Roosters are prohibited in residential areas due to noise. Livestock keeping is restricted by zoning district. The city enforces sanitary maintenance standards.

Key details: Hens: Allowed with restrictions. Roosters: Prohibited in residential zones. Livestock: Zoning-dependent. Maintenance: Sanitary conditions required.

Keeping prohibited animals may result in code enforcement action, animal control intervention, and fines under SMMC Chapter 1.09.

Exotic Pets

Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 4.04.162 prohibits wild animals, venomous reptiles, and monkeys without a permit from the Animal Control Officer. All snakes, reptiles, non-human primates, arachnids, and birds are banned from City parks, beaches, the Pier, and the Third Street Promenade.

Key details: Permit Required: Wild animals, reptiles, monkeys. Banned in Parks: Snakes, primates, arachnids. Exemptions: Events, film permits, wildlife. Code: SMMC §4.04.162.

Keeping prohibited animals without a permit is a violation subject to citation, fines, and animal removal. Bringing restricted animals to prohibited public locations is separately enforceable.

Compared to other cities, Santa Monica takes a harder line on exotic pets. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Santa Monica 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 Monica, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Santa Monica's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.