Animal Ordinances in Santa Maria, CA (2026)
6 verified animal ordinances for Santa Maria, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Santa Maria Municipal Code Chapter 5-3, Article 8 (Livestock) bans hogs, swine, stallions, and bulls inside the city limits and requires horses, mules, cattle, sheep, and goats to be kept at least 125 feet from any residence. The RA Residential Agricultural zone is the only zoning district where most livestock can be kept, and only on parcels of two acres or more.
Hogs/Stallions/Bulls Banned; Livestock Setbacks Apply
Heavy RestrictionsSanta Maria Muni. Code Title 5, Ch. 5-3, Art. 8, Sec. 5-3.801 and 5-3.803
It is unlawful to keep or maintain or cause to be kept or maintained, any live hog or swine, or any live stallion or bull, within the City. It is unlawful to keep or maintain...within the City, any live horse, mule or other equine animal, any cow or other bovine animal, or any sheep or goat within one hundred twenty-five (125) feet of any building or structure used or occupied as a residence or...
Dog Leash Laws
Santa Maria requires dogs to be leashed when off the owner's property. Dogs must be under control at all times. Santa Barbara County Animal Services enforces animal ordinances.
Santa Maria Dog Leash Laws
Heavy RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Santa Maria has no breed-specific ban. Pit bulls, Rottweilers, and other breeds are legal to own. California Food and Agricultural Code Section 31683 preempts breed-specific dog ordinances statewide except narrow spay/neuter rules. Santa Maria instead uses behavior-based 'restricted' and 'vicious' dog procedures under Chapter 5-3.
No Breed Bans - Behavior-Based Vicious Dog Rules Only
Few RestrictionsCal. Food & Agricultural Code Section 31683
Except as provided in Section 122331 of the Health and Safety Code, no program regulating any dog shall be specific as to breed. 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 c...
Beekeeping
Beekeeping is allowed in Santa Maria with certain restrictions. Hives should be positioned with consideration for neighbors and flyway barriers may be required.
Santa Maria Beekeeping Rules
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Exotic pet ownership in Santa Maria is governed by California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations. Many species require permits or are prohibited entirely.
Santa Maria Exotic & Wild Animal Regulations
Some RestrictionsCDFW Restricted Species Permits (14 CCR § 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 amendment of a...
Pet Limits
Santa Maria does not cap the number of dogs at a residence by simple ordinance, but Municipal Code Section 12-2.78 defines any property with four or more dogs as a 'kennel,' which is a regulated land use subject to zoning permits. Every dog over four months must also be licensed under Section 5-3.301.
Four-or-More Dogs Triggers Kennel Requirement
Some RestrictionsSanta Maria Muni. Code Title 12, Ch. 12-2, Sec. 12-2.78
Kennel means any lot, building, structure, enclosure or premises wherein four or more dogs are kept or maintained for any purpose whatsoever.
Looking for Santa Barbara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Maria city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Santa Barbara County →