Animal Ordinances in Buena Park, CA (2026)
10 verified animal ordinances for Buena Park, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Since an August 2024 ordinance, Buena Park allows up to six hens (no roosters) on single-family RS-zoned properties with a ministerial permit. Coops need 10 square feet per chicken, must sit at least 10 feet from side and rear property lines, and may not be in the front yard.
Buena Park Backyard Chickens and Poultry
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Buena Park requires dogs to be held under leash by an able-bodied person whenever off the owner's premises, including on streets, sidewalks, parks, and school grounds. Animal control is handled by SEAACA. Females in heat may not be allowed to run at large anywhere in the city.
Buena Park Dog Leash and Restraint Rules
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Buena Park does not impose breed-specific bans. Instead its code regulates any dog declared potentially dangerous or vicious, requiring warning signs at property entrances and prohibiting such dogs from running loose where they endanger lawful visitors. California law also bars cities from adopting breed-specific spay/neuter mandates only on a breed basis.
Buena Park Dangerous Dogs and Breed Rules
Some RestrictionsBeekeeping
Buena Park allows up to four beehives on single-family RS-zoned property with a ministerial permit. Hives must sit at least 10 feet from any property line, require a six-foot fence or hedge and an on-site water source, and parcels adjoining a school, licensed childcare facility, or park may not keep bees.
Buena Park Beekeeping Rules
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Buena Park bars possession of any endangered species, exotic animal, or wild animal (as defined in the code) unless approved by the director of community development as a live animal event. Permitted exotic or dangerous animals must be kept in secure enclosures, may not run loose, and require posted warning signs.
Buena Park Exotic and Wild Animal Rules
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Buena Park has no specific ordinance banning the feeding of wild animals. However, the code prohibits keeping or feeding animals in any way that breeds flies, creates obnoxious odors, attracts vermin, or becomes a nuisance or health hazard. California law separately makes it unlawful to feed certain big-game and predatory wildlife.
Buena Park Wildlife Feeding Rules
Some RestrictionsLivestock
Buena Park does not allow general backyard livestock in residential zones. Domesticated animals such as horses, mules, cows, goats, and sheep may be kept only in permitted equestrian establishments and theme recreational parks. Livestock must be kept in secure enclosures and may not run loose.
Buena Park Livestock and Large Animal Rules
Heavy RestrictionsAnimal Hoarding
Buena Park's three-dog, three-cat limit and its sanitation and nuisance provisions guard against hoarding conditions. The code lets animal control impound animals kept without food, water, or proper care. California Penal Code Sections 597 and 597.1 criminalize the neglect and overcrowding typical of hoarding.
Buena Park Animal Hoarding and Neglect Rules
Heavy RestrictionsPet Limits
Buena Park limits each residential property to no more than three dogs and three cats over six months of age. Only one unspayed female dog is allowed per location without a breeding permit. Dogs over four months old must be licensed and rabies-vaccinated through SEAACA.
Buena Park Pet Limit Rules
Some RestrictionsCat Rules
Buena Park limits each street address to no more than three cats over six months of age. There is no leash requirement for cats, but all animals must be kept in clean, sanitary conditions, and owners must dispose of waste so it does not create odors or breed flies. SEAACA handles cat licensing and welfare.
Buena Park Cat Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Buena Park city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Orange County →