Chimney Cap

Apologies in advance if this is the wrong place to ask this question.

I am a first time homebuyer who recently bought a house built in the 1980s. It doesn't have a chimney cap. The inspector made a note about it, but didn't say if it's necessary or not. So my question is: is a chimney cap necessary in so cal? Would I be okay if I don't install one?

Thank you!

All the homes I bought didn't come with a chimney cap and the inspector recommended it. I asked the seller to put one on and they did it. I didn't bother with subsequent purchases.

It isn't a code requirement.