Exotic Pets: Midway City vs Newport Beach
How do exotic pets rules compare between Midway City, CA and Newport Beach, CA?
Midway City and Newport Beach have similar restriction levels.
Midway City, CA
Orange County
OCCO Section 4-1-94 requires a license from the OC Animal Care Director to keep any wild, exotic, dangerous, or non-domestic animal in unincorporated Orange County. Ferrets are illegal statewide in California. Keeping exotic animals must also conform to county zoning regulations.
View full Midway City rules →Newport Beach, CA
Orange County
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.
View full Newport Beach rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Midway City | Newport Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | OCCO §4-1-94 | - |
| License Required | Director approval needed | - |
| Ferrets | Illegal statewide (CA) | Illegal in California |
| Zoning Compliance | Required | - |
| Enforcement | OC Animal Care | - |
| State Law | - | CA Code of Regulations Title 14, Sec 671 |
| Hedgehogs | - | Illegal in California |
| Primates | - | Prohibited as pets |
| OC Animal Care | - | (714) 935-6848 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Midway City FAQ
Can I keep an exotic pet in unincorporated Orange County?
You must obtain a license from the OC Animal Care Director under OCCO Section 4-1-94. The animal must also be legal under California state law and your property must be appropriately zoned.
Are ferrets legal in Orange County?
No. Ferrets are illegal throughout California under Fish and Game Code Section 2118. This applies to all of Orange County regardless of local ordinances. Ferrets may be confiscated by state wildlife authorities.
Newport Beach FAQ
Can I keep a ferret in Newport Beach?
No. Ferrets are illegal to keep as pets anywhere in California under Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, Section 671. Newport Beach does not grant exceptions to this state prohibition.
What exotic pets are legal in Newport Beach?
Most common domesticated pets are legal including dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs. Many non-venomous reptiles like ball pythons and bearded dragons are also legal. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife maintains the full list of restricted species.
Can I have a potbelly pig in Newport Beach?
Potbelly pigs may be restricted in residential zones under Newport Beach zoning regulations. Contact Community Development at (949) 644-3200 to determine if pigs are permitted on your property.
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