Animal Ordinances in Chula Vista, CA (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Chula Vista, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Chickens, domestic fowl, and livestock keeping in Chula Vista is regulated under CVMC Chapter 6.04. The number of animals permitted depends on lot size and zoning district. Roosters and crowing fowl may be restricted. Livestock keeping requires adequate setbacks from neighboring dwellings.
Chula Vista Chickens & Livestock Regulations
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Chula Vista requires all dogs to be restrained by a leash of six feet or less when on any public property or private property open to the public, per CVMC Chapter 6.24. Dogs not under leash control are considered 'at large' and subject to impoundment. All dogs must be licensed.
Chula Vista Dog Leash & Restraint Laws
Heavy RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Chula Vista does not impose breed-specific restrictions on dog ownership. The city regulates dangerous and vicious dogs based on individual animal behavior under CVMC Title 6, not by breed. California state law (Food & Agriculture Code section 31683) preempts local breed-specific legislation.
Chula Vista Dog Breed Regulations
Few RestrictionsCal. Food & Agric. Code § 31683
31683. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent a city or county from adopting or enforcing its own program for the control of potentially dangerous or vicious dogs that may incorporate all, part, or none of this chapter, or that may punish a violation of this chapter as a misdemeanor or may impose a more restrictive program to control potentially dangerous or vicious dogs. Except ...
Beekeeping
CVMC 6.04.100 generally prohibits hives within 600 feet of any residential building. Narrow exceptions exist for educational, medical research, and scientific study purposes on residential property if maintained without nuisance.
Chula Vista Beekeeping Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsExotic Pets
Chula Vista prohibits the possession of wild or exotic animals not normally domesticated in the United States under CVMC 6.04.070. This includes large cats, bears, primates, wolves, and venomous reptiles. Special requirements apply to large constrictor snakes and monitor lizards.
Chula Vista Exotic & Wild Animal Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsCal. Code Regs. tit. 14, § 671 (CDFW Restricted Species)
Restricted Species Permits are required for every person who imports, exports, transports, or possesses any restricted animal listed in Section 671(c), Title 14, of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) (PDF) . Entitlements Fee Description Restricted Species Permit Application/Amendment New: $155.53 Renewal and Amendment: $80.60 Required for every new permit, permit renewal or amendment of a...
Wildlife Feeding
Chula Vista addresses wildlife feeding through its nuisance provisions under CVMC Title 8. Feeding wildlife that attracts nuisance animals or creates unsanitary conditions may be cited as a public nuisance. The city's Multiple Species Conservation Program protects wildlife habitats in open space preserves.
Chula Vista Wildlife Feeding Regulations
Some RestrictionsAnimal Hoarding
Chula Vista addresses animal hoarding through keeping limits in Chula Vista Municipal Code Title 6 and through the Chula Vista Animal Care Facility, the only municipally-operated animal control agency in San Diego County; criminal cruelty is prosecuted under California Penal Code §597.
animals/animal-hoarding
Some RestrictionsLooking for San Diego County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Chula Vista city rules.
Animal Ordinances in San Diego County →