Animal Ordinances in San Clemente, CA (2026)
10 verified animal ordinances for San Clemente, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Chickens and other backyard fowl are 'specialty animals' in San Clemente. SCMC 6.44 requires a permit-linked keeping standard: zoning compliance, humane sanitary conditions, and coops located at least 100 feet from the nearest adjacent structure.
San Clemente Chickens Are 'Specialty Animals' Needing a Permit
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
San Clemente Municipal Code 6.12.010 requires dogs on any street, alley, or public property to be restrained by a chain or leash no longer than six feet, held by a competent person. Dogs are barred from beaches, the pier, and the golf course.
San Clemente Dog Leash Law (6-Foot Max, SCMC 6.12.010)
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
San Clemente imposes no breed-specific dog ban. California Food and Agricultural Code 31683 bars cities from regulating dogs by breed. The city instead uses a conduct-based potentially-dangerous and vicious dog process in SCMC Chapter 6.20.
San Clemente Has No Dog Breed Ban (State Preemption)
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
San Clemente Municipal Code 6.28.060 makes it unlawful to keep any hive or swarm of bees within the city without a permit. Only educational, physician, or laboratory research uses are exempt, and only if the bees are not allowed to fly at large.
San Clemente Beekeeping Requires a Permit (SCMC 6.28.060)
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
San Clemente Municipal Code 6.28.010 bars keeping any wild, exotic, or non-domesticated animal in the city without a permit from the CASA general manager. Applicants must prove the animal poses no public menace and that the site and zoning are adequate.
San Clemente Exotic Animals Require a Permit (SCMC 6.28.010)
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
San Clemente Municipal Code 6.28.070 prohibits feeding non-domesticated predators including coyotes, raccoons, foxes, skunks, and opossums. SCMC 6.28.090 separately bans feeding wild pigeons on the municipal pier, with fines from $50 to $200.
San Clemente Bans Feeding Coyotes and Other Wildlife
Heavy RestrictionsLivestock
San Clemente allows livestock only where the Zoning Code permits. SCMC 6.24.010 bars keeping any animal within 100 feet of another occupied residence, and specialty-animal rules require zoning compliance and a 100-foot setback from adjacent structures.
San Clemente Livestock Limited by Zoning and 100-Foot Setback
Heavy RestrictionsAnimal Hoarding
San Clemente has no ordinance using the word 'hoarding,' but pet-limit permits, sanitation rules, and refuge permits constrain accumulation. Severe cases are prosecuted under California Penal Code 597 cruelty law through the Coastal Animal Services Authority.
San Clemente Animal Hoarding: Permit Caps Plus State Cruelty Law
Some RestrictionsPet Limits
San Clemente permits up to three dogs and/or cats without a permit. SCMC 6.44.010 and 6.24.010 require a private kennel permit for four or more dogs or cats over four months old, and cap non-dog/cat animals at six per residential property.
San Clemente Pet Limits: 4+ Dogs or Cats Need a Kennel Permit
Some RestrictionsCat Rules
San Clemente does not require cats to be licensed. SCMC 6.10.130 makes cat licensing optional, though a licensed cat must have current rabies vaccination. Up to three cats may be kept per home before a private kennel permit is required.
San Clemente Cat Rules: Licensing Optional, Rabies Required
Few RestrictionsLooking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Clemente city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Orange County →