Animal Ordinances in Compton, CA (2026)
5 verified animal ordinances for Compton, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Compton limits chickens, poultry and livestock to the Residential Agriculture (R-A) zone only; the low-, medium- and high-density residential zones exclude them entirely. Within R-A, Section 30-7.3 requires horses, cows, goats and sheep to sit at least 50 feet from any dwelling and 10 feet from property lines, while poultry, birds, chinchillas and rabbits need 35 feet from buildings and 10 feet from lot lines.
Compton Backyard Poultry and Livestock Rules
Significant RestrictionsCompton, CA, Municipal Code § 30-7.3 (Animal Maintenance Standards (R-A))
Animals, birds, fowl and poultry on a lot or parcel of land in the Residential Agriculture Zone (R-A) shall be maintained not less than the following distances from any dwelling or commercial building or from any property line: a. Horses, cows, goats and sheep: 50 feet from residential and commercial buildings and 10 feet from property lines; and b. Birds, fowl, poultry, chinchillas and rabbits...
Dog Leash Laws
Dogs are the only animal allowed into a Compton public park or recreation center without a special permit, and only when kept on a leash no longer than six feet under the city's park conduct rules.
Compton Dog Leash Rules in City Parks
Some RestrictionsCompton, CA, Municipal Code § 18-2.1
No person shall bring, or cause to be brought in, any horse, goat, cat, fowl, or any other animal, excepting dogs which shall be permitted only when secured by a leash of not more than six feet in length and excepting such animals which are brought into any park or recreation center for the purposes of exhibition or otherwise, pursuant to a special permit granted as hereinafter set forth.
Breed Restrictions
Compton adopts LA County Animal Code (Title 10) by reference per CMC 11-1. California prohibits breed-specific bans but allows breed-specific spay/neuter programs. Dangerous dog determinations are behavior-based, not breed-based.
Compton Dog Breed and Dangerous Dog Regulations
Significant RestrictionsCal. Food & Agricultural Code § 31683 (Animal Control - Breed Provisions)
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 as prov...
Exotic Pets
Exotic pet ownership in Compton is governed by California state law (Title 14, Section 671). Most exotic animals are prohibited statewide. The city enforces state restrictions through its animal control provisions.
Compton Exotic Pet Regulations
Significant RestrictionsCalifornia Department of Fish and Wildlife - Restricted Species Permits (CCR Title 14, Section 671)
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 ame...
Pet Limits
Compton's zoning code, not a stand-alone animal ordinance, sets the household pet cap: three adult dogs, three adult cats and three other household pets per lot, with litters under four months not counted. The limit is written into the permitted-use list for the Low-Density Residential (R-L) and Residential Agriculture (R-A) zones, and carries into the Medium- and High-Density zones by cross-reference.
Compton Household Pet Limit Rules
Some RestrictionsCompton, CA, Municipal Code § 30-8.2.a.3 (Uses (R-L))
Three adult dogs and three adult cats and their litters up to four months of age and three other household pets;
Looking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Compton city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Los Angeles County →