Animal Ordinances in Newport Beach, CA (2026)
8 verified animal ordinances for Newport Beach, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Newport Beach restricts the keeping of chickens and livestock in most residential zoning districts. Chickens, roosters, and other poultry are generally prohibited in standard residential zones, with limited allowances in agricultural or large-lot residential areas.
Newport Beach Chickens and Livestock Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Newport Beach requires dogs to be on a leash of no more than 6 feet in length when in public areas. The city has limited off-leash areas and enforces leash laws on beaches, parks, and public spaces through the Police Department and OC Animal Care.
Newport Beach Dog Leash Laws
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Newport Beach does not impose breed-specific legislation banning particular dog breeds. California state law prohibits cities from enacting breed-specific bans. However, dogs declared dangerous or vicious under state law face additional restrictions regardless of breed.
Newport Beach Dog Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
Newport Beach allows beekeeping on residential properties subject to colony limits, setback requirements, and nuisance standards. The city regulates hive placement to minimize conflicts with neighbors and ensure public safety.
Newport Beach Beekeeping Regulations
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Newport Beach follows California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations prohibiting most exotic pets. Ferrets, hedgehogs, and most wild or non-domesticated animals are illegal to keep as pets under state law, and the city does not grant local exceptions.
Newport Beach Exotic Pet Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 671 — 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
Newport Beach strictly prohibits feeding wildlife including coyotes, waterfowl, pigeons, and other wild animals on public or private property. The ban protects coastal habitats and reduces human-wildlife conflicts in neighborhoods adjacent to Upper Newport Bay and other natural areas throughout the city.
Newport Beach Wildlife Feeding Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsLivestock
Newport Beach prohibits keeping livestock including horses, goats, sheep, and pigs in most residential zoning districts. Livestock is only permitted on properties zoned for agricultural or equestrian uses, which are extremely limited within city limits.
Newport Beach Livestock Keeping Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsAnimal Hoarding
Newport Beach Municipal Code prohibits keeping animals in conditions that endanger their health or create a public nuisance. Animal Services enforces limits on the number of animals per household and investigates complaints regarding unsanitary conditions, excessive noise, or odor from accumulated animals on residential properties.
Newport Beach Animal Hoarding and Accumulation Rules
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Newport Beach city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Orange County →