7 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 10 cities in Ventura County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Ventura County Zoning Ordinance §8107-2 establishes detailed animal keeping standards based on zone, lot size, and animal type. Animals must be contained on the property and maintained at setback distances from off-site dwelling units. Roosters have specific standards under §8107-2.3.7.
Dogs in unincorporated Ventura County must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet when on public property or off the owner's premises, pursuant to the Ventura County Animal Regulation Ordinance. Off-leash dogs are permitted only in designated off-leash areas.
Ventura County does not impose breed-specific bans in unincorporated areas. However, the county enforces dangerous and vicious dog designation procedures under California Food and Agricultural Code Sections 31601-31683, which apply based on individual animal behavior rather than breed.
California Food & Agricultural Code § 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 as prov...
Ventura County permits backyard beekeeping under §8107-2.6.2 with specific standards. Commercial and larger-scale beekeeping operations are regulated separately under §8107-2.6.1. The Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner handles bee-related complaints and Africanized bee management.
Exotic pet ownership in unincorporated Ventura County is primarily governed by California Department of Fish & Wildlife regulations. The state prohibits ownership of most wild and exotic animals without permits, with limited exceptions for certain reptiles and invertebrates.
California Code of Regulations Title 14 § 671 (Restricted Species)
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) . 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, nonrefunda...
Ventura County discourages feeding wildlife in unincorporated areas and may enforce nuisance provisions when wildlife feeding creates public health or safety hazards. The county works with California Department of Fish and Wildlife on wildlife conflict issues.
Animal hoarding in unincorporated Ventura County is addressed through the animal keeping standards in §8107-2 and nuisance abatement under Division 13. Exceeding the allowed number of animal units for a lot size constitutes a zoning violation.
10 cities in Ventura County have their own animal ordinances rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
7 verified rules • Animal Hoarding, Beekeeping
6 verified rules • Beekeeping, Breed Restrictions
13 verified rules • Animal Hoarding, Beekeeping
6 verified rules • Beekeeping, Breed Restrictions
7 verified rules • Beekeeping, Breed Restrictions
14 verified rules • Animal Hoarding, Beekeeping
6 verified rules • Beekeeping, Breed Restrictions
6 verified rules • Beekeeping, Breed Restrictions
6 verified rules • Beekeeping, Breed Restrictions
6 verified rules • Beekeeping, Breed Restrictions
See every category we cover for Ventura County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Ventura County Ordinance Hub →