Animal Ordinances in Tustin, CA (2026)
10 verified animal ordinances for Tustin, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Tustin allows backyard hens but caps total birds, fowl and small animals at ten per parcel (TCC Sec. 4221(a)(2)). Crowing birds are banned except roosters, which are only permitted on large lots in the Cultural Resources Overlay District. Coops must be set back at least 50 feet from neighboring residences and birds may not run at large.
Tustin Chickens & Backyard Fowl
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Tustin contracts animal control to OC Animal Care and adopts Orange County's animal ordinances by reference (TCC Sec. 4201). Under the adopted county code, dogs on public property must be restrained by a chain or leash no longer than six feet. Tustin's own code separately bans dogs from city parks and school grounds unless they are service dogs.
Tustin Dog Leash Laws
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Tustin's animal code contains no breed-specific ban or pit bull restriction. The City adopts Orange County's animal ordinances (TCC Sec. 4201), which regulate dangerous and vicious dogs by behavior, not breed. California Food & Agricultural Code Sec. 31683 also bars cities from declaring a specific breed dangerous, so any dangerous-dog action turns on the individual animal's conduct.
Tustin Dog Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
Tustin allows beekeeping but limits a parcel to one beehive or colony, and no occupied hive may sit within 100 feet of any adjacent residential structure, street or highway (TCC Sec. 4221(a)(4)). Hives that disturb neighbors or create a nuisance are prohibited under TCC Sec. 4224.
Tustin Beekeeping Rules
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Tustin bans keeping wild animals within the City (TCC Sec. 4223). The code defines wild animals broadly but exempts a short list, including hamsters, guinea pigs, turtles, salamanders, chameleons, and nonpoisonous reptiles up to six feet long and no more than three in number. California also separately restricts many exotic species.
Tustin Exotic & Wild Animals
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Tustin's animal code does not contain a standalone ordinance specifically banning the feeding of coyotes or other wildlife. The City instead provides coyote-safety guidance and relies on its general nuisance and wild-animal provisions (TCC Sec. 4223-4224). Intentional feeding that draws wildlife or creates a nuisance can be addressed under those rules.
Tustin Wildlife Feeding
Some RestrictionsLivestock
Keeping horses, cattle, swine, sheep or goats inside Tustin is unlawful except in the R-A (Residential Agricultural) District and, where authorized, Planned Community districts (TCC Sec. 4222). Even in those districts a use permit is required. Roosters and commercial animal-keeping are also tightly restricted by zoning.
Tustin Livestock & Large Animals
Heavy RestrictionsAnimal Hoarding
Tustin has no ordinance using the term 'animal hoarding,' but it controls excessive animals through firm numeric caps - three dogs, three cats and ten small animals per parcel (TCC Sec. 4221) - plus a kennel-permit requirement and a nuisance/sanitation rule (TCC Sec. 4224). Keeping animals in unsanitary, peace-disturbing conditions is prohibited and enforced by OC Animal Care.
Tustin Animal Hoarding
Some RestrictionsPet Limits
Tustin limits each parcel to no more than three dogs and three common house cats, or any combination, excluding animals under three months old (TCC Sec. 4221(a)(1)). Keeping four or more dogs or four or more cats over four months makes a property a kennel under the adopted county definition, requiring a permit.
Tustin Pet Limits
Some RestrictionsCat Rules
Tustin caps each parcel at three common house cats, excluding kittens under three months (TCC Sec. 4221(a)(1)). There is no cat leash or licensing mandate in the City code, but four or more cats over four months makes a property a kennel requiring a permit, and cats must not become a nuisance under TCC Sec. 4224.
Tustin Cat Rules
Few RestrictionsLooking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tustin city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Orange County →