Animal Ordinances in Fountain Valley, CA (2026)
5 verified animal ordinances for Fountain Valley, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
In the City of Fountain Valley, California, Municipal Code § 21.30.040(1) bars keeping or maintaining livestock, fowl or other animals of any kind in any subdivision, with exceptions only for dogs, cats and customary household pets. Backyard chickens are fowl, and the code carves out no exception for them.
Fountain Valley Backyard Chickens and Livestock Ban
Heavy RestrictionsFountain Valley Municipal Code § 21.30.040(1)
The purpose of this section is to ensure that the raising, keeping and maintenance of animals would not create an adverse impact on surrounding properties by reason of negative impacts (e.g., bright lights, dust, fumes, insect infestations, noise, odor or visual blight) by providing standards for maintaining the animals. Animal keeping uses shall comply with the requirements of this section and...
Wildlife Feeding
In the City of Fountain Valley, California, no person can feed, disturb or have physical contact with wildlife on city property unless the director of community services authorizes it in writing. The City Council added the rule in 2022, and violations of Chapter 12.08 are misdemeanors.
Feeding Wildlife on Fountain Valley City Property
Some RestrictionsFountain Valley Municipal Code § 12.08.105
Unless specifically authorized by the director of community services in writing, no person shall feed, disturb, or have physical contact with wildlife on city property.
Pet Limits
In the City of Fountain Valley, California, Municipal Code § 21.30.040(2) allows a maximum of three dogs and/or cats over six months of age as an accessory use. Other household pets are allowed only when customarily incidental to a home and no commercial activity is involved.
Fountain Valley Pet Limits: Three Dogs or Cats Per Home
Some RestrictionsFountain Valley Municipal Code § 21.30.040(2)
(2) Dogs and Cats. A maximum of three dogs and/or cats over six months of age shall be allowed as an accessory use. (3) Other Household Pets. The keeping of other household pets shall be allowed of a type readily classifiable as being customarily incidental and accessory to an allowed principal residential use when no commercial activity is involved.
Pet Groomer Rules
In the City of Fountain Valley, California, a pet grooming business cannot operate as a home occupation. Section 21.42.040(3) lists animal hospitals and grooming facilities among the uses barred from residential dwellings, and commercial kennels are barred by item (6), so groomers need a commercial location.
Fountain Valley CA Home Pet Grooming Ban
Heavy RestrictionsFountain Valley Municipal Code § 21.42.040
The following uses, either by operation or nature, are considered not to be incidental to or compatible with residential activities and therefore shall not be allowed as home occupation activities: ... (3) Animal hospitals and grooming facilities; ... (6) Commercial kennels; ... (16) Other uses the director deems to be similar to those listed above, that could result in objectionable impacts on...
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
In the City of Fountain Valley, California, veterinarians, animal hospitals, kennels and boarding facilities need a conditional use permit in the C1, C2 and M1 districts and are not allowed in the CP and CM districts. Table 2-6 of the Development Code sets the rule, and the planning commission decides each permit.
Veterinary Clinic and Kennel Zoning in Fountain Valley, California
Significant RestrictionsFountain Valley Municipal Code § 21.10.030
TABLE 2-6 P CUP — Permitted Use Conditional Use Permit required Use not allowed Specific Use Regs. Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements for Commercial and Manufacturing Zoning Districts PERMIT REQUIRED BY DISTRICT LAND USE (1) CP C1 C2 CM M1 ... Veterinarians, animal hospitals, kennels, boarding — CUP CUP — CUP
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