Animal Ordinances in Santa Monica, CA (2026)
6 verified animal ordinances for Santa Monica, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Backyard chickens are allowed in Santa Monica with restrictions. Roosters are prohibited in residential areas due to noise. Livestock keeping is restricted by zoning district. The city enforces sanitary maintenance standards.
Santa Monica Chicken & Livestock Regulations
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Dogs must be on a leash in all public areas in Santa Monica. Off-leash dogs are only permitted in designated dog parks. The city enforces leash laws through Animal Control and SMPD.
Santa Monica Dog Leash Law
Heavy RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Santa Monica does not impose breed-specific legislation. All dogs must be licensed per CA Food & Ag Code §30500+. Dangerous dog determinations are based on individual behavior rather than breed.
Santa Monica Dangerous Dog Regulations
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Food and Agricultural Code Section 31683 (Local Dog Control - No Breed-Specific Regulation)
31683. 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 chapter as a misdemeanor or may impose a more restrictive program to control potentially dangerous or vicious dogs. Except ...
Beekeeping
Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 4.04.130 permits beekeeping on single-family residential property only, with a limit of two hives per property. Hives must be at least 5 feet from property lines and registered with the City's Animal Control Office. Requeening is required every two years.
Santa Monica Beekeeping Regulations
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 4.04.162 prohibits wild animals, venomous reptiles, and monkeys without a permit from the Animal Control Officer. All snakes, reptiles, non-human primates, arachnids, and birds are banned from City parks, beaches, the Pier, and the Third Street Promenade.
Santa Monica Exotic & Wild Animal Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Code of Regulations Title 14 Section 671(c) (CDFW Restricted Species - Exotic Animal Permit Requirements)
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). Restricted Species Permit Application/Amendment New: $155.53; Renewal and Amendment: $80.60 — Required for every new permit, permit renewal or amendment of an existing permit, nonrefundable....
Wildlife Feeding
Feeding wildlife in Santa Monica public parks and beaches is discouraged. The city's property maintenance code addresses nuisance conditions from wildlife attraction. Feeding pigeons and pest wildlife can create code violations.
Santa Monica Wildlife Feeding Restrictions
Some RestrictionsLooking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Monica city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Los Angeles County →