Animal Ordinances in Costa Mesa, CA (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Costa Mesa, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Costa Mesa prohibits livestock (including chickens) unless a special animal permit is approved by the chief of police. Keeping more than 5 domesticated animals also requires a permit. The permit fee is $15.49 non-refundable.
Costa Mesa Chickens & Livestock Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Costa Mesa requires dogs off their own property to be on a 6-foot or shorter leash held by a person who can completely control the dog at all times. The only off-leash exception is Costa Mesa Bark Park.
Costa Mesa Dog Leash Laws
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Costa Mesa does not impose breed-specific legislation. California state law preempts cities from banning or restricting dogs based solely on breed. All breeds are permitted subject to licensing, leash, and behavior requirements.
Costa Mesa Dog Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
Costa Mesa requires a residential beekeeping permit for all domesticated hives. Hives must be at least 15 feet from property lines and 25 feet from neighboring residential buildings. The city has updated its beekeeping regulations to allow managed apiaries with permits.
Costa Mesa Beekeeping Regulations
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Costa Mesa follows California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations prohibiting most exotic animals as pets. Ferrets, hedgehogs, and certain reptiles are restricted or banned under state law. OC Animal Care enforces animal regulations in the city.
Costa Mesa Exotic Pet Restrictions
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Fish & Game Code Title 14 §671 — Restricted Species Permits
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
Costa Mesa prohibits or discourages feeding wildlife including coyotes, feral cats, and pigeons in public areas. Residents must secure trash to prevent wildlife encounters. The city works with OC Animal Care on coyote management programs.
Costa Mesa Wildlife Feeding Restrictions
Some RestrictionsCal. Fish & Game Code § 251.1 (CDFW Human-Wildlife Conflicts Toolkit)
Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) can occur when humans encounter or interact with wild animals in an unwanted or unsafe way. In California, habitat loss and a changing climate have increased the frequency and type of HWC reported to CDFW. It has become more common for people to be "living with wildlife" as communities grow along the urban-wildlands interface and wildlife look for limited resources...
Livestock
Costa Mesa restricts or prohibits keeping livestock such as goats, sheep, horses, and pigs on most residential properties. Livestock keeping is generally limited to properties in agricultural or equestrian zoning districts, which are very limited in the city.
Costa Mesa Livestock Keeping Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Costa Mesa city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Orange County →