California Backyard Chicken Laws: Permits, Limits, and Setbacks by City and County

California Statewide Poultry Laws & Requirements

1. Mandatory Disease Reporting

Under 3 CCR § 821.1 and CA Food & Agri Code § 9101, all poultry owners are legally required to report any unusual illness or high mortality rates in their flock to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). This is critical for monitoring Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and Virulent Newcastle Disease.

Sick Bird Hotline: 866-922-2473

2. Biosecurity Standards & Inspections

The CDFA outlines specific biosecurity "expectations" for all bird owners to prevent the spread of disease. Under CA Food & Agri Code § 9574, state veterinarians are granted the authority to enter and inspect premises where animals are kept if a contagious disease is suspected.

The "Six Ways" Rule recommends (and may mandate during outbreaks):

• Keeping a distance between your birds and wild waterfowl.
• Cleaning shoes/clothes before and after entering the coop.
• Cleaning and disinfecting equipment.
• Not sharing equipment with other bird owners.
• Isolating new birds for at least 30 days.
• Knowing the signs of illness.

3. Civil Code & HOAs (The "Right to Garden" Overlap)

While CA Civil Code § 4750 protects a homeowner's right to grow food, it does not explicitly guarantee the right to keep livestock. Furthermore, CA Civil Code § 4753 prohibits HOAs from "unreasonably" restricting certain backyard activities, but most legal experts note that chicken keeping still falls under local municipal zoning rather than state-protected rights.

4. Rooster Restrictions (AB 928 Update)

As of the 2025-2026 Legislative Session, new restrictions under CA Food & Agri Code § 32105 target the "movement-constrained" keeping of roosters. It is prohibited to keep more than 25 roosters on a single property unless for specific commercial/agricultural exemptions. This law aims to deter illegal cockfighting rings but affects large backyard hobbyists in unincorporated areas.

5. Identification and Transport

If you are moving poultry within the state (e.g., selling to another hobbyist or taking birds to a show), 3 CCR § 821.1(c) requires you to produce "official documents" or proof of origin if requested by a Department official to ensure the birds are not coming from a quarantined zone.

California Backyard Chicken Laws by City and County

While California State law provides the framework for disease prevention and animal welfare, specific allowances for backyard flocks are determined at the municipal level. Our comprehensive listings below cover the chicken ordinances for more than 200 of California’s most populated cities, providing a centralized resource for urban and suburban poultry keepers across the state.

Most California cities permit hens in residential zones (R-1) provided they are kept in secure, sanitary cages or fenced enclosures. Owners must ensure that poultry do not create noise disturbances or odor nuisances for neighboring properties.

⚠️ Important: City ordinances may change without notice. Always verify the current rules with your local jurisdiction before even building your coop.

Adelanto (San Bernardino County)

According to Adelanto Municipal Code § 7.04.120 (Table A), fowl are permitted based on lot density; offspring must be removed within 30 days of weaning or 3 months of age.

• Hen Limit: 1 bird per 1,800 square feet of lot area (Maximum of 5 in standard R-1 zones).
• Roosters: 1 allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any dwelling on an adjacent lot.
• Coop Permit: Not required for small flocks under the density limit.

Alameda (Alameda County)

According to Alameda Municipal Code § 7-4.1, it is unlawful to keep more than six domestic fowl unless the owner has a historical exemption.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from neighbor dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Alhambra (Los Angeles County)

According to Alhambra Municipal Code § 7.12.110, the total number of domestic fowl is limited to six per household (chicks under eight weeks are exempt up to 24).

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 fowl.
• Roosters: Not allowed (restricted by noise nuisance ordinances).
• Coop Setback: 25 feet from any dwelling, church, or school.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Aliso Viejo (Orange County)

According to Aliso Viejo Municipal Code § 6.04.010, the city adopts Orange County animal control regulations.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from rear and 15 feet from side property lines.

Anaheim (Orange County)

According to Anaheim Municipal Code § 8.08.010, animal limits are based on lot-area density.

• Hen Limit: 1 bird per 1,800 square feet of property.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 50 feet from any neighbor's dwelling and 20 feet from property lines.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Antioch (Contra Costa County)

According to Antioch Municipal Code § 6-1.20, the total combination of chickens and other specified animals is strictly capped.

• Hen Limit: Up to 10 fowl.
• Roosters: Allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any dwelling, church, or school.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Apple Valley (San Bernardino County)

According to Apple Valley Development Code § 9.34.030, poultry keeping in Rural Estates is determined by a point system (maximum 100 points per acre).

• Hen Limit: Up to 30 birds per acre.
• Roosters: 1 allowed (on lots 1 acre or larger).
• Coop Setback: 30 feet from property lines.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Arcadia (Los Angeles County)

According to Arcadia Municipal Code § 6241.1, up to five female chickens are allowed as an accessory use in residential zones for non-commercial purposes.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 35 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Azusa (Los Angeles County)

According to Azusa Municipal Code § 88.42.040, poultry limits differ by bird age (adult fowl vs. young chicks).

• Hen Limit: 5 hens (over 12 weeks old) or 15 chicks (under 12 weeks old).
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 50 feet from any adjoining residence.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Bakersfield (Kern County)

According to Bakersfield Municipal Code § 6.08.010, chickens are permitted only in Agricultural or Residential-Suburban (R-S) zones.

• Hen Limit: Permitted only in R-S and Agricultural zones.
• Roosters: Allowed (in permitted zones).
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Baldwin Park (Los Angeles County)

According to Baldwin Park Municipal Code § 153.040.300, hens are restricted to the R-1 zone and must be kept in the rear yard.

• Hen Limit: Up to 3 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 15 feet from any habitable building.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Beaumont (Riverside County)

According to Beaumont Municipal Code § 6.04.140, the city follows Riverside County standards with limits based on zone and lot size.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens (on lots 7,200–39,999 sq. ft.); up to 12 hens (on 1+ acre).
• Roosters: Not allowed (on lots under 1 acre).
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from property lines and 50 feet from any residence.
• Coop Permit: Not required for standard limits.

Bellflower (Los Angeles County)

According to Bellflower Municipal Code § 6.04.160, keeping poultry is permitted provided it does not create a nuisance.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 35 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Berkeley (Alameda County)

According to Berkeley Municipal Code § 10.12.040, domestic fowl may be kept with required distance from neighboring structures (no specific numerical limit).

• Hen Limit: No specific numerical limit.
• Roosters: Allowed.
• Coop Setback: 30 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Brea (Orange County)

According to Brea Municipal Code § 17.62.110, the city allows small animals in residential zones with specific distance standards for coops.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any property line.
• Coop Permit: Not required for standard flocks.

Brentwood (Contra Costa County)

According to Brentwood Municipal Code § 17.670.005, poultry keeping is restricted to lots of at least 20,000 square feet.

• Hen Limit: 2 birds per 1,000 square feet (Minimum 20,000 sq. ft. lot).
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 40 feet from side and rear property lines.

Buena Park (Orange County)

According to Buena Park Municipal Code § 19.348.050, a ministerial permit is required to keep chickens.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 10 feet from any property line.
• Coop Permit: Required (Ministerial permit).

Burbank (Los Angeles County)

According to Burbank Municipal Code § 5-1-1002, a permit from the health officer is required for more than 25 birds.

• Hen Limit: Up to 25 fowl.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Required for over 25 birds.

Calexico (Imperial County)

According to Calexico Municipal Code § 6.04.100, fowl must not run at large upon any street or public place.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Camarillo (Ventura County)

According to Camarillo Municipal Code § 19.46.010, the number of permitted chickens is based on total lot area.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens (lots under 10,000 sq. ft.); Up to 10 hens (lots 10,000+ sq. ft.).
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 40 feet from neighbor's dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Required for more than 5 hens.

Campbell (Santa Clara County)

According to Campbell Municipal Code § 21.36.050, the keeping of female chickens is allowed as an accessory residential use.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any property line.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Carlsbad (San Diego County)

According to Carlsbad Municipal Code § 6.04.040, fowl must be kept in a pen or coop.

• Hen Limit: Up to 25 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 40 feet from neighbor's dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Carson (Los Angeles County)

According to Carson Municipal Code § 9122.2, chicken keeping requires a Poultry Keeping Permit.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from adjacent habitable structures.
• Coop Permit: Required (Application fee applies).

Cathedral City (Riverside County)

According to Cathedral City Municipal Code § 9.100.020, fowl keeping is restricted to Residential Estate (RE) zones only.

• Hen Limit: Up to 3 birds (RE zone only).
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from neighbor's dwelling.

Ceres (Stanislaus County)

According to Ceres Municipal Code § 18.28.140, poultry keeping is limited to properties with a minimum of one acre.

• Hen Limit: Up to 10 birds.
• Roosters: Allowed (on 1+ acre).
• Coop Setback: 50 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Cerritos (Los Angeles County)

According to Cerritos Municipal Code § 8.04.030, the keeping of poultry is strictly prohibited in residential zones.

• Hen Limit: 0 (Not allowed).
• Roosters: Not allowed.

Chico (Butte County)

According to Chico Municipal Code § 19.76.040, the number of birds is calculated based on available lot area.

• Hen Limit: 1 bird per 250 square feet of lot area.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from neighbor's dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Chino (San Bernardino County)

According to Chino Municipal Code § 20.21.020, keeping poultry is an accessory use with enclosures in the rear half of the lot.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 50 feet from neighbor's dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Chino Hills (San Bernardino County)

According to Chino Hills Municipal Code Appendix A, poultry keeping is restricted by lot size.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens (on lots under 1/2 acre); additional birds allowed on lots 1/2 acre or larger.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 50 feet from any habitable structure on an adjacent lot.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Chula Vista (San Diego County)

According to Chula Vista Municipal Code § 6.24.030, poultry keeping is permitted in residential zones with specified small-animal limits.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Citrus Heights (Sacramento County)

According to Citrus Heights Municipal Code § 106.42.040, residents may keep a small flock of chickens for personal use.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling and 5 feet from property lines.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Claremont (Los Angeles County)

According to Claremont Municipal Code § 6.12.010, the total number of fowl per household is strictly limited.

• Hen Limit: Up to 8 fowl.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 35 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Clovis (Fresno County)

According to Clovis Municipal Code § 9.34.020, chicken keeping is permitted on residential lots with enclosures in the rear yard.

• Hen Limit: Up to 3 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Coachella (Riverside County)

According to Coachella Municipal Code § 17.12.020, poultry keeping is generally restricted to larger residential-agricultural zones.

• Hen Limit: Permitted only in R-E and A-1 zones.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 50 feet from any dwelling.

Colton (San Bernardino County)

According to Colton Municipal Code § 18.22.030, the keeping of chickens is allowed as an accessory use in residential zones.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any property line.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Compton (Los Angeles County)

According to Compton Municipal Code § 26.2.2, the keeping of poultry is permitted as an accessory use in residential zones.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 35 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Concord (Contra Costa County)

According to Concord Municipal Code § 18.200.030, residents are permitted to keep a small number of female chickens.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any dwelling on an adjacent lot.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Corona (Riverside County)

According to Corona Municipal Code § 17.08.080, the keeping of poultry is allowed in residential zones but limited to the rear yard.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any side or rear property line.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Costa Mesa (Orange County)

According to Costa Mesa Municipal Code § 3-118, the keeping of poultry is restricted to properties with sufficient rear yard space.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 30 feet from neighbor's dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Covina (Los Angeles County)

According to Covina Municipal Code § 17.04.140, the keeping of poultry is restricted by both bird count and strict placement rules.

• Hen Limit: Up to 2 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 35 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Culver City (Los Angeles County)

According to Culver City Municipal Code § 9.01.205, the primary purpose of the flock must be for personal use only.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 35 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Cupertino (Santa Clara County)

According to Cupertino Municipal Code § 19.12.030, the keeping of poultry is permitted as an accessory use in residential zones.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 25 feet from any dwelling other than the owner's.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Cypress (Orange County)

According to Cypress Municipal Code § 4-13, the coop and run must be located in the rear yard.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Daly City (San Mateo County)

According to Daly City Municipal Code § 6.12.010, all enclosures must be located in the rear yard.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 25 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Danville (Contra Costa County)

According to Danville Municipal Code § 32-54.3, keeping female chickens is allowed in residential zones as an accessory use.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from neighbor dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Davis (Yolo County)

According to Davis Municipal Code § 4.01.040, roosters are specifically prohibited within city limits.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any neighboring residence.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Delano (Kern County)

According to Delano Municipal Code § 20.14.030, the keeping of chickens is permitted in specific residential zones.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from property lines.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Diamond Bar (Los Angeles County)

According to Diamond Bar Municipal Code § 22.08.030, the keeping of poultry is allowed as an accessory residential use.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 35 feet from neighbor dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Downey (Los Angeles County)

According to Downey Municipal Code § 3123, residents may keep a very small number of poultry.

• Hen Limit: Up to 2 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 35 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Dublin (Alameda County)

According to Dublin Municipal Code § 5.08.020, all coops must be predator-proof and located in the rear yard.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Eastvale (Riverside County)

According to Eastvale Municipal Code § 17.12.020, chicken keeping in the R-1 zone is restricted by minimum lot size.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from property lines and 50 feet from neighbor dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

El Cajon (San Diego County)

According to El Cajon Municipal Code § 17.105.040, poultry are permitted on residential lots as an accessory use.

• Hen Limit: Up to 24 hens (subject to property size and drainage).
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 50 feet from any neighbor's dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

El Centro (Imperial County)

According to El Centro Municipal Code § 29-54, poultry keeping in standard residential areas is strictly limited to personal use.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

El Cerrito (Contra Costa County)

According to El Cerrito Municipal Code § 7.12.010, chickens are permitted as accessory pets.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

El Monte (Los Angeles County)

According to El Monte Municipal Code § 6.04.140, poultry keeping is strictly regulated by distance from neighboring dwellings.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 35 feet from neighboring dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Elk Grove (Sacramento County)

According to Elk Grove Municipal Code § 8.02.040, residents may keep chickens on single-family lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any neighboring residence.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Encinitas (San Diego County)

According to Encinitas Municipal Code § 30.04.010, the number of birds is limited by lot size.

• Hen Limit: Up to 10 hens (on standard R-1 lots).
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 35 feet from neighbor dwellings and 15 feet from property lines.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Escondido (San Diego County)

According to Escondido Municipal Code § 33-1112, the keeping of poultry is an accessory use on single-family lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 12 hens (standard residential lots); Up to 25 hens (lots over 20,000 sq. ft.).
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 40 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Fairfield (Solano County)

According to Fairfield Municipal Code § 25.22.4.2, chicken keeping is allowed on residential lots with a minimum area of 5,000 square feet.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Folsom (Sacramento County)

According to Folsom Municipal Code § 17.06.300, the keeping of poultry is permitted as an accessory use on single-family residential lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 2 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Fontana (San Bernardino County)

According to Fontana Municipal Code § 30-482, chicken keeping requires a minimum lot size of 10,000 square feet (or a Special Use Permit for smaller lots).

• Hen Limit: Up to 2 birds (on lots under 10,000 sq. ft. with permit); Up to 5 hens (on lots 10,000+ sq. ft.).
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 50 feet from any neighboring residence.
• Coop Permit: Required for lots under 10,000 sq. ft.

Fountain Valley (Orange County)

According to Fountain Valley Municipal Code § 21.08.040, the city uses a lot-area density calculation for small animals.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from rear and 15 feet from side property lines.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Fremont (Alameda County)

According to Fremont Municipal Code § 18.190.110, poultry keeping is permitted on residential lots with required buffers from adjacent properties.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 40 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Fresno (Fresno County)

According to Fresno Municipal Code § 15-2713, the city permits the keeping of up to four female chickens on single-family residential lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Fullerton (Orange County)

According to Fullerton Municipal Code § 15.17.030, chicken keeping is allowed as an accessory use in residential zones for non-commercial purposes.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Garden Grove (Orange County)

According to Garden Grove Municipal Code § 6.04.060, fowl are subject to an aggregate limit with other small animals.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens (total combination of fowl and rabbits).
• Roosters: Not allowed (§ 6.04.030).
• Coop Setback: 25 feet from all property lines and adjacent dwelling units.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Gardena (Los Angeles County)

According to Gardena Municipal Code § 8.04.130, the keeping of poultry is strictly regulated with a low threshold per household.

• Hen Limit: Up to 2 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 35 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Gilroy (Santa Clara County)

According to Gilroy Municipal Code § 4.20, chickens and roosters are prohibited in standard residential zones.

• Hen Limit: 0 (Prohibited in residential zones).
• Roosters: Not allowed.

Glendale (Los Angeles County)

According to Glendale Municipal Code § 6.08.050, chicken keeping is subject to strict square footage requirements in the rear yard.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Glendora (Los Angeles County)

According to Glendora Municipal Code § 8.04.020, the city allows a very limited number of hens as a minor accessory use.

• Hen Limit: Up to 2 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 35 feet from neighbor dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Hanford (Kings County)

According to Hanford Municipal Code § 6.12.010, keeping poultry in residential zones requires a Livestock Permit from the health officer.

• Hen Limit: Subject to Livestock Permit approval.
• Roosters: Generally not allowed in residential zones.
• Coop Setback: Must be kept at least 40 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Required (Livestock Permit).

Hawthorne (Los Angeles County)

According to Hawthorne Municipal Code § 6.24.050, the keeping of domestic fowl is permitted with specific distance requirements.

• Hen Limit: Up to 2 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 35 feet from any habitable dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Hayward (Alameda County)

According to Hayward Municipal Code § 10-1.2735(f), the city uses a space-to-animal ratio for residential zones.

• Hen Limit: 1 fowl per 200 square feet of available space (Up to 50 birds total).
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 40 feet from any dwelling on an adjacent lot.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Hemet (Riverside County)

According to Hemet Municipal Code § 17.08.080, chicken keeping is permitted based on lot size.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens (on lots 7,200–39,999 sq. ft.); up to 12 hens (on 1+ acre).
• Roosters: Not allowed (under 1 acre).
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from property lines and 50 feet from any residence.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Hesperia (San Bernardino County)

According to Hesperia Municipal Code § 16.12.030, the number of female poultry is determined by precise parcel area increments.

• Hen Limit: 2 hens (under 7,200 sq. ft.); 3 hens (7,200–9,999 sq. ft.); 4 hens (10,000–19,999 sq. ft.).
• Roosters: Allowed only on lots of 1 acre or more.
• Coop Setback: 70 feet from any neighboring structure used for human habitation.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Highland (San Bernardino County)

According to Highland Municipal Code § 6.04.100, the number of fowl permitted is tied to the net lot area.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens (on lots under 20,000 sq. ft.); additional allowed on larger lots.
• Roosters: Not allowed (on lots under 1 acre).
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from property lines and 50 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Hollister (San Benito County)

According to Hollister Municipal Code § 6.12.010, residents are permitted to keep a limited number of poultry.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Huntington Beach (Orange County)

According to Huntington Beach Municipal Code § 7.08.010, chickens must be kept in the rear yard.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Huntington Park (Los Angeles County)

According to Huntington Park Municipal Code § 4-3.501, the keeping of poultry is restricted to protect urban density.

• Hen Limit: Up to 2 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 35 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Indio (Riverside County)

According to Indio Municipal Code § 91.033, poultry keeping is permitted as an accessory use in residential zones.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any property line and 50 feet from neighbor dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Inglewood (Los Angeles County)

According to Inglewood Municipal Code § 4-29, keeping domestic fowl is permitted with strict distance requirements.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 35 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Irvine (Orange County)

According to Irvine Municipal Code § 4-5-102, chickens are permitted in residential areas (HOA rules may still prohibit them).

• Hen Limit: Up to 2 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from property lines.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Jurupa Valley (Riverside County)

According to Jurupa Valley Municipal Code § 6.04.140, crowing fowl allowances are determined by lot size (adopting Riverside County standards).

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens (lots 7,200–39,999 sq. ft.); up to 12 hens (1+ acre).
• Roosters: Not allowed (on lots under 1 acre).
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from property lines and 50 feet from neighbor dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

La Habra (Orange County)

According to La Habra Municipal Code § 6.04.100, the city follows a density-based model for small animals.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 25 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

La Mesa (San Diego County)

According to La Mesa Municipal Code § 8.04.050, there is no explicit numerical limit on poultry (restricted by nuisance rules).

• Hen Limit: No specific numerical limit (restricted by land use and health codes).
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from neighbor dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

La Mirada (Los Angeles County)

According to La Mirada Municipal Code (2025 update), chicken-keeping is allowed in all single-family residential homes.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 5 feet from property lines and dwelling units.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

La Quinta (Riverside County)

According to La Quinta Municipal Code § 10.24.080, poultry keeping is prohibited on lots under one acre.

• Hen Limit: Prohibited on lots under 1 acre; 20 birds per acre on larger lots.
• Roosters: Allowed only on lots 5 acres or larger.
• Coop Setback: 25 feet from any property line.

Laguna Niguel (Orange County)

According to Laguna Niguel Municipal Code § 120.040.080, residents in standard residential zones must obtain a Poultry Keeping Permit.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from adjacent habitable structures and 5 feet from property lines.
• Coop Permit: Required (Poultry Keeping Permit).

Lake Elsinore (Riverside County)

According to Lake Elsinore Municipal Code § 17.76.030, poultry are permitted only on lots with a minimum area of one-half acre.

• Hen Limit: Up to 12 birds (on lots 1/2 acre or larger).
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 50 feet from neighboring dwelling units.
• Coop Permit: Not required (on eligible lots).

Lake Forest (Orange County)

According to Lake Forest Municipal Code § 6.04.100, the city adopts Orange County animal control standards with a minimum open space requirement per bird.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Lakewood (Los Angeles County)

According to Lakewood Municipal Code § 4111, the keeping of poultry is strictly prohibited in residential zones.

• Hen Limit: 0 (Not allowed).
• Roosters: Not allowed.

Lancaster (Los Angeles County)

According to Lancaster Municipal Code § 17.08.050, chicken keeping is permitted on residential lots of at least 7,000 square feet.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 35 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Lathrop (San Joaquin County)

According to Lathrop Municipal Code § 6.08.010, the keeping of small animals (including poultry) is permitted in residential zones.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from property lines and 50 feet from neighbor dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Lincoln (Placer County)

According to Lincoln Municipal Code § 18.20.040, residents are permitted to keep chickens on single-family lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Livermore (Alameda County)

According to Livermore Municipal Code § 6.04.280, the number of permitted fowl is determined by a lot-area-to-animal ratio.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Lodi (San Joaquin County)

According to Lodi Municipal Code § 6.12.110, the city allows a specific combination of adult birds and young chicks.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 adult hens and 14 chicks (under 8 weeks old).
• Roosters: Allowed (subject to noise nuisance ordinances).
• Coop Setback: 50 feet from any neighboring residence.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Lompoc (Santa Barbara County)

According to Lompoc Municipal Code § 6.16.020, small livestock including chickens are permitted on lots of at least 5,000 square feet.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 total animals (includes chickens, ducks, and rabbits).
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Long Beach (Los Angeles County)

According to Long Beach Municipal Code § 6.20.140, the city uses a tiered setback system based on flock size.

• Hen Limit: Up to 20 hens (permit required for 5 or more).
• Roosters: Not allowed (§ 6.20.050).
• Coop Setback: 10 feet (1-4 hens); 35 feet (5-10 hens); 50 feet (11-20 hens).
• Coop Permit: Required for 5+ chickens.

Los Angeles (Los Angeles County)

According to Los Angeles Municipal Code § 53.59, keeping chickens is permitted in most residential zones with one rooster allowed.

• Hen Limit: No specific numerical limit (restricted by sanitation and setbacks).
• Roosters: 1 allowed.
• Coop Setback: 35 feet from neighbor dwellings (100 feet for roosters).
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Los Banos (Merced County)

According to Los Banos Municipal Code § 9-3.201, chickens are excluded from household pets and require a discretionary Use Permit.

• Hen Limit: Permitted only with an approved Use Permit.
• Roosters: Generally not allowed in residential zones.
• Coop Setback: Determined by permit conditions.
• Coop Permit: Required.

Lynwood (Los Angeles County)

According to Lynwood Municipal Code § 6-3.1, the keeping of poultry is restricted to the R-1 zone.

• Hen Limit: Up to 2 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 35 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Madera (Madera County)

According to Madera Municipal Code § 10-3.402, chickens are permitted in residential zones as an accessory use.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Manteca (San Joaquin County)

According to Manteca Municipal Code § 6.04.140, poultry keeping follows strict density limits based on lot square footage.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed (under 20,000 sq. ft. lot).
• Coop Setback: 25 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Menifee (Riverside County)

According to Menifee Municipal Code § 11.01.030, the city adopts Riverside County Title 6 with crowing fowl limits based on lot size.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens (lots 7,200–39,999 sq. ft.); up to 12 hens (1+ acre).
• Roosters: Not allowed (on lots under 1 acre).
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from property lines and 50 feet from neighbor dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Merced (Merced County)

According to Merced Municipal Code § 6.08.010, the keeping of fowl is permitted in residential zones for personal use.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Milpitas (Santa Clara County)

According to Milpitas Municipal Code § IV-1-3.03, keeping chickens is permitted on single-family lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Mission Viejo (Orange County)

According to Mission Viejo Municipal Code § 10.01.100, chickens are permitted as accessory pets on single-family lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from property lines and 15 feet from neighbor dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Modesto (Stanislaus County)

According to Modesto Municipal Code § 10-2.507, poultry are allowed in R-1 zones with strict separation from human habitation.

• Hen Limit: Up to 12 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 40 feet from any neighboring window or door.
• Coop Permit: Not required for up to 12 birds.

Montebello (Los Angeles County)

According to Montebello Municipal Code § 6.08.020, the city limits the aggregate number of small animals per lot.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 total small animals (including hens).
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 35 feet from neighbor dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Monterey Park (Los Angeles County)

According to Monterey Park Municipal Code § 4.30.050, the maintenance of poultry is designated as a public nuisance and is prohibited in residential zones.

• Hen Limit: 0 (Not allowed).
• Roosters: Not allowed.

Moreno Valley (Riverside County)

According to Moreno Valley Municipal Code § 9.03.040, poultry are permitted in R-1 zones with required property line buffers.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from property lines and 50 feet from neighbor dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Morgan Hill (Santa Clara County)

According to Morgan Hill Municipal Code § 6.08.010, residents are permitted to keep a small number of chickens.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Mountain View (Santa Clara County)

According to Mountain View Municipal Code § 5.47, up to four small animals are allowed without a permit.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens (Permit required for 5+).
• Roosters: Not allowed (§ 5.53).
• Coop Setback: 25 feet from any inhabited residence.
• Coop Permit: Required for more than 4 birds.

Murrieta (Riverside County)

According to Murrieta Municipal Code § 16.44.040, chicken keeping is permitted on single-family lots of at least 7,200 square feet.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens (lots under 1/2 acre); up to 12 hens (1/2 to 1 acre).
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 10 feet from property lines.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Napa (Napa County)

According to Napa Municipal Code § 6.08.010, the city uses a tiered limit based on lot size.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens (on lots under 10,000 sq. ft.); up to 12 hens (on larger lots).
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

National City (San Diego County)

According to National City Municipal Code § 8.08.010, chickens must be kept in the rear third of the lot.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 35 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Newark (Alameda County)

According to Newark Municipal Code § 6.04.140, residents may keep chickens as long as the flock size remains small.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any neighboring residence.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Newport Beach (Orange County)

According to Newport Beach Municipal Code § 7.04.030, poultry are allowed as accessory pets with limited area occupancy.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from property lines.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Norwalk (Los Angeles County)

According to Norwalk Municipal Code § 6.08.010, keeping poultry is prohibited in standard residential zones.

• Hen Limit: 0 (Prohibited in residential R-1/R-2 zones).
• Roosters: Not allowed.

Novato (Marin County)

According to Novato Municipal Code § 19.34.050, the number of birds allowed is determined by total acreage of the parcel.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from property lines.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Oakland (Alameda County)

According to Oakland Municipal Code § 6.04.290, chickens must be kept in the rear yard with 20 square feet of outdoor space per bird.

• Hen Limit: No specific limit (restricted by space requirements).
• Roosters: Allowed (must be 20 feet from any dwelling).
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any neighboring residence.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Oakley (Contra Costa County)

According to Oakley Municipal Code § 9.1.502, chickens are permitted on single-family lots as an accessory residential use.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from property lines.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Oceanside (San Diego County)

According to Oceanside Municipal Code § 3.3, the city uses a tiered system based on lot size.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 35 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Ontario (San Bernardino County)

According to Ontario Municipal Code § 6-1.502, poultry keeping is permitted only on lots with a minimum area of 10,000 square feet.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens (on 10,000+ sq. ft. lots).
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 50 feet from any neighbor's dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required (on eligible lots).

Orange (Orange County)

According to Orange Municipal Code § 6.08.020, the keeping of poultry is allowed as an accessory use.

• Hen Limit: Up to 3 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Oxnard (Ventura County)

According to Oxnard Municipal Code § 7-18, residents are permitted to keep a small number of poultry.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 25 feet from any neighboring residence.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Palm Desert (Riverside County)

According to Palm Desert Municipal Code § 25.34.120, poultry are prohibited on lots smaller than 20,000 square feet.

• Hen Limit: Up to 12 hens (lots 20,000+ sq. ft. only).
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 50 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Palm Springs (Riverside County)

According to Palm Springs Municipal Code § 6.08.010, chickens are permitted in residential zones as an accessory use.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from property lines and 40 feet from neighbor dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Palmdale (Los Angeles County)

According to Palmdale Municipal Code § 17.21.040, chicken keeping is allowed on single-family lots of at least 7,000 square feet.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 35 feet from any neighboring residence.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Palo Alto (Santa Clara County)

According to Palo Alto Municipal Code § 6.20.020, up to four small animals are allowed without a permit.

• Hen Limit: Up to 50 birds.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any dwelling (40 feet for more than 6 birds).
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Paramount (Los Angeles County)

According to Paramount Municipal Code § 4-13, the keeping of poultry is strictly prohibited in residential zones.

• Hen Limit: 0 (Not allowed).
• Roosters: Not allowed.

Pasadena (Los Angeles County)

According to Pasadena Municipal Code § 6.12.010, poultry keeping is strictly regulated by distance from human habitation.

• Hen Limit: No specific limit (restricted by setback space).
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 35 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Perris (Riverside County)

According to Perris Municipal Code § 7.20.010, poultry is allowed as an accessory residential use with limits tiered by lot size.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens (on standard residential lots).
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from property lines and 50 feet from neighbor dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Petaluma (Sonoma County)

According to Petaluma Municipal Code § 8.04.040, chickens are permitted on single-family lots as "pet" poultry.

• Hen Limit: Up to 10 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from neighboring dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Pico Rivera (Los Angeles County)

According to Pico Rivera Municipal Code § 6.08.010, the keeping of poultry is prohibited in residential zones.

• Hen Limit: 0 (Prohibited in residential zones).
• Roosters: Not allowed.

Pittsburg (Contra Costa County)

According to Pittsburg Municipal Code § 6.04.040, residents may keep a limited number of hens.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from neighbor dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Placentia (Orange County)

According to Placentia Municipal Code § 6.08.010, chickens must be housed in the rear half of the lot.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Pleasanton (Alameda County)

According to Pleasanton Municipal Code § 9.04.100, the city uses an "animal unit" system for residential lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 10 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 40 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Pomona (Los Angeles County)

According to Pomona Municipal Code § 6-121, poultry keeping is permitted on residential lots of at least 7,000 square feet.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 35 feet from neighbor dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Porterville (Tulare County)

According to Porterville Municipal Code § 7-1, chicken keeping is permitted as an accessory use.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 5 feet from property lines and 20 feet from dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Poway (San Diego County)

According to Poway Municipal Code § 17.08.110, poultry allowances are based on zoning and lot size.

• Hen Limit: Up to 12 hens (standard residential lots).
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 35 feet from neighbor dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Rancho Cordova (Sacramento County)

According to Rancho Cordova Municipal Code § 23.910.030, chicken keeping is permitted on residential lots under 10,000 square feet.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Rancho Cucamonga (San Bernardino County)

According to Rancho Cucamonga Municipal Code § 17.58.030, poultry are allowed only on lots with a minimum area of 10,000 square feet.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens (on 10,000+ sq. ft. lots).
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 50 feet from any neighboring residence.
• Coop Permit: Not required (on eligible lots).

Rancho Palos Verdes (Los Angeles County)

According to Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code § 17.02.040, chicken keeping is permitted as an accessory residential use.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 15 feet from property lines and 35 feet from neighbor dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Rancho Santa Margarita (Orange County)

According to Rancho Santa Margarita Municipal Code § 5.02.100, the city follows Orange County standards for chickens in R-1 zones.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Redding (Shasta County)

According to Redding Municipal Code § 18.43.040, chickens are permitted on single-family lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Redlands (San Bernardino County)

According to Redlands Municipal Code § 6.04.140, keeping poultry is allowed in residential zones.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 25 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Redondo Beach (Los Angeles County)

According to Redondo Beach Municipal Code § 5-1.107, poultry are generally prohibited in residential zones.

• Hen Limit: 0 (Prohibited in R-1, R-2, R-3 zones).
• Roosters: Not allowed.

Redwood City (San Mateo County)

According to Redwood City Municipal Code § 5.11, residents may keep a limited number of chickens.

• Hen Limit: Up to 3 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any neighboring residence.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Rialto (San Bernardino County)

According to Rialto Municipal Code § 6.04.100, the keeping of chickens is permitted on residential lots of at least 10,000 square feet.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens (on 10,000+ sq. ft. lots).
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 50 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required (on eligible lots).

Richmond (Contra Costa County)

According to Richmond Municipal Code § 9.20.010, the city permits the keeping of chickens.

• Hen Limit: Up to 10 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Riverside (Riverside County)

According to Riverside Municipal Code § 6.08.010, crowing fowl are permitted based on lot size.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens (standard residential lots); more allowed on lots over 20,000 sq. ft.
• Roosters: Allowed only on lots over 20,000 sq. ft. (1 per lot).
• Coop Setback: 50 feet from any neighboring residence.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Rocklin (Placer County)

According to Rocklin Municipal Code § 17.08.090, chickens are permitted in single-family residential zones.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from property lines.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Rohnert Park (Sonoma County)

According to Rohnert Park Municipal Code § 6.12.010, up to 6 female chickens are permitted on single-family residential lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from neighboring residences.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Rosemead (Los Angeles County)

According to Rosemead Municipal Code § 6.04.140, poultry keeping is strictly limited to a very small flock for personal use.

• Hen Limit: Up to 2 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 35 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Roseville (Placer County)

According to Roseville Municipal Code § 7.36.010, residents are allowed to keep chickens in residential zones.

• Hen Limit: Up to 10 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Sacramento (Sacramento County)

According to Sacramento City Code § 9.44.860, residents may keep chickens on any single-family lot or duplex.

• Hen Limit: Up to 3 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Salinas (Monterey County)

According to Salinas Municipal Code § 7-10, chicken keeping is permitted as an accessory residential use.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from property lines and neighbor dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

San Bernardino (San Bernardino County)

According to San Bernardino Municipal Code § 6.12.010, poultry are permitted on residential lots with limits tiered by lot size.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens (on standard residential lots).
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 50 feet from any neighboring residence.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

San Bruno (San Mateo County)

According to San Bruno Municipal Code § 8.12.010, the keeping of small animals including chickens is permitted.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

San Buenaventura (Ventura) (Ventura County)

According to Ventura Municipal Code § 8.050.120, female chickens are permitted in residential zones with a Small Animal Permit for 5+ birds.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens (Permit required for 5+).
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from neighbor dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Required only for 5 or more birds.

San Clemente (Orange County)

According to San Clemente Municipal Code § 6.08.010, keeping chickens is permitted on single-family lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from property lines.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

San Diego (San Diego County)

According to San Diego Municipal Code § 42.0709, the city has progressive poultry laws with tiered setbacks.

• Hen Limit: Up to 25 hens (tiered setbacks apply).
• Roosters: Not allowed (§ 42.0708).
• Coop Setback: 5 feet from side property lines; 15 feet from neighbor dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

San Francisco (San Francisco County)

According to SF Health Code Article 1, § 37, up to four female chickens are allowed without a permit.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any door or window of a neighboring dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

San Gabriel (Los Angeles County)

According to San Gabriel Municipal Code § 92.20, poultry keeping requires a mandatory health officer inspection.

• Hen Limit: Up to 2 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 35 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Required (inspection-based).

San Jacinto (Riverside County)

According to San Jacinto Municipal Code § 6.04.140, the city follows Riverside County standards for crowing fowl.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens (standard lots); up to 12 hens (lots over 1 acre).
• Roosters: Not allowed (on lots under 1 acre).
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from property lines and 50 feet from neighbor dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

San Jose (Santa Clara County)

According to San Jose Municipal Code § 7.40.540, residents are permitted to keep chickens on residential lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from neighboring residences.
• Coop Permit: Not required for 6 or fewer.

San Leandro (Alameda County)

According to San Leandro Municipal Code § 4-1-500, female chickens are permitted if housed in the rear yard.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from neighboring dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

San Luis Obispo (San Luis Obispo County)

According to San Luis Obispo Municipal Code § 6.12.010, poultry keeping is permitted on single-family lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 20 hens (lots under 10,000 sq. ft. capped at 5).
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from neighboring dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

San Marcos (San Diego County)

According to San Marcos Municipal Code § 6.04.020, chickens are permitted as an accessory residential use.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 35 feet from any neighboring residence.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

San Mateo (San Mateo County)

According to San Mateo Municipal Code § 8.02.040, residents are allowed to keep chickens on residential lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 10 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from property lines and dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

San Rafael (Marin County)

According to San Rafael Municipal Code § 6.12.030, the city permits the keeping of poultry in residential zones.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

San Ramon (Contra Costa County)

According to San Ramon Municipal Code § B2-16, chickens are permitted in residential districts.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from property lines.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Santa Ana (Orange County)

According to Santa Ana Municipal Code § 5-11, keeping poultry is permitted on single-family lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 40 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara County)

According to Santa Barbara Municipal Code § 6.08.010, residents are allowed to keep a generous number of chickens without a permit.

• Hen Limit: Up to 15 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Santa Clara (Santa Clara County)

According to Santa Clara Municipal Code § 6.05.100, the city allows chickens on residential lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from neighboring residences.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Santa Clarita (Los Angeles County)

According to Santa Clarita Municipal Code § 17.51.040, chicken keeping is permitted on single-family residential lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 25 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz County)

According to Santa Cruz Municipal Code § 6.16.030, the city permits the keeping of poultry with limits tiered by lot size.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens (on standard lots); up to 10 hens (on lots over 10,000 sq. ft.).
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from neighboring dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Santa Maria (Santa Barbara County)

According to Santa Maria Municipal Code § 6-1.12, chickens are permitted as accessory pets.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Santa Monica (Los Angeles County)

According to Santa Monica Municipal Code § 4.04.200, up to two female chickens are allowed without a permit.

• Hen Limit: Up to 2 hens (permit required for 3-10).
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Required for 3 or more birds.

Santa Rosa (Sonoma County)

According to Santa Rosa Municipal Code § 20-42.040, the city allows poultry in residential zones.

• Hen Limit: Up to 10 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from neighboring dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Santee (San Diego County)

According to Santee Municipal Code § 6.04.140, keeping chickens is permitted on single-family residential lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 35 feet from neighbor dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Simi Valley (Ventura County)

According to Simi Valley Municipal Code § 5-1.101, the city allows the keeping of poultry in residential zones for non-commercial use.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

South Gate (Los Angeles County)

According to South Gate Municipal Code § 7.12.010, the city permits chickens with strict limits in high-density areas.

• Hen Limit: Up to 2 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 35 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

South San Francisco (San Mateo County)

According to South San Francisco Municipal Code § 8.28.010, residents are allowed to keep poultry.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any neighboring residence.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Stanton (Orange County)

According to Stanton Municipal Code § 6.04.100, the city permits the keeping of chickens as an accessory residential use.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from property lines and neighbor dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Stockton (San Joaquin County)

According to Stockton Municipal Code § 6.04.140, chicken keeping is permitted on single-family lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 10 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Sunnyvale (Santa Clara County)

According to Sunnyvale Municipal Code § 6.12.010, the city allows small animals including chickens with an aggregate limit.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Temecula (Riverside County)

According to Temecula Municipal Code § 6.04.140, poultry keeping is permitted based on lot size with "crowing fowl" prohibited.

• Hen Limit: Up to 12 hens (lots under 1 acre); 50 hens per acre (lots over 1 acre).
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 25 feet from property lines; 100 feet from neighboring residences.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Thousand Oaks (Ventura County)

According to Thousand Oaks Municipal Code § 9-4.603, fowl keeping is restricted to specific residential-estate (R-O) zones.

• Hen Limit: Permitted in R-O zones only (no specific limit, subject to nuisance laws).
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 40 feet from any neighboring dwelling or public place.
• Coop Permit: Not required in designated zones.

Torrance (Los Angeles County)

According to Torrance Municipal Code § 41.1.2, hens are allowed only with a Special Animal Permit.

• Hen Limit: Up to 3 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 35 feet from neighboring dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Required (Special Animal Permit).

Tracy (San Joaquin County)

According to Tracy Municipal Code § 6.04.140, residents are allowed a generous flock for personal use with significant setbacks.

• Hen Limit: Up to 30 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 50 feet from any dwelling, school, or church.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Tulare (Tulare County)

According to Tulare Municipal Code § 10.144.020, chicken keeping is permitted as an accessory residential use.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Turlock (Stanislaus County)

According to Turlock Municipal Code § 6-1-105, domesticated fowl are permitted on residential lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from rear property line; 25 feet from side property line.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Tustin (Orange County)

According to Tustin Municipal Code § 3101, poultry keeping is permitted but governed by substantial distance requirements.

• Hen Limit: Up to 25 birds (flocks over 25 are considered commercial).
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 50 feet from any residence (including the owner's).
• Coop Permit: Not required for personal flocks.

Union City (Alameda County)

According to Union City Municipal Code § 8.40.020, chickens are allowed provided they are not "at large."

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Upland (San Bernardino County)

According to Upland Municipal Code § 6.04.140, poultry keeping is permitted on residential lots with strict nuisance noise ordinances.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 50 feet from neighbor dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Vacaville (Solano County)

According to Vacaville Municipal Code § 14.09.110, chicken keeping is allowed on lots of at least 6,000 square feet with a density ratio.

• Hen Limit: Up to 9 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: Minimum 5 feet from property lines (varies by structure height).
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Vallejo (Solano County)

According to Vallejo Municipal Code § 7.12.110, female chickens are permitted in residential zones.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any neighboring residence.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Victorville (San Bernardino County)

According to Victorville Municipal Code § 16-3.08.030, poultry are allowed only on lots with a minimum size of 10,000 square feet.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens (lots 10,000+ sq. ft. only).
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 50 feet from neighboring residences.
• Coop Permit: Not required (on eligible lots).

Visalia (Tulare County)

According to Visalia Municipal Code § 17.32.180, chicken keeping is permitted as an accessory use.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Vista (San Diego County)

According to Vista Municipal Code § 6.08.010, residents may keep chickens in residential zones.

• Hen Limit: Up to 10 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from neighboring dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Walnut Creek (Contra Costa County)

According to Walnut Creek Municipal Code § 4-2.03, residents are permitted to keep chickens on single-family lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any neighboring residence.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Watsonville (Santa Cruz County)

According to Watsonville Municipal Code § 6-1.12, chickens are permitted as an accessory residential use.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from property lines and dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

West Covina (Los Angeles County)

According to West Covina Municipal Code § 6-3, poultry keeping is permitted in residential zones with a strict limit on small animals.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 35 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

West Sacramento (Yolo County)

According to West Sacramento Municipal Code § 6.28.010, the city allows the keeping of chickens on single-family lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Westminster (Orange County)

According to Westminster Municipal Code § 6.08.010, poultry are permitted on residential lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Whittier (Los Angeles County)

According to Whittier Municipal Code § 6.08.010, the keeping of poultry is allowed but strictly governed by density.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 35 feet from any neighboring residence.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Woodland (Yolo County)

According to Woodland Municipal Code § 6.04.140, residents may keep chickens for personal use.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from property lines.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Yorba Linda (Orange County)

According to Yorba Linda Municipal Code § 6.04.100, the city adopts Orange County’s animal control standards for poultry.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from any dwelling.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Yuba City (Sutter County)

According to Yuba City Municipal Code § 6.1.12, chickens are permitted in single-family residential zones.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from neighboring residences.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Yucaipa (San Bernardino County)

According to Yucaipa Municipal Code § 6.04.140, poultry are allowed in residential zones based on lot size.

• Hen Limit: Up to 12 hens (standard residential lots).
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 35 feet from neighbor dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Unincorporated Areas & Rural Cities in California

California has 58 counties in total. The sections above focus on major metropolitan areas and populous cities where regulations are often stricter and more frequently searched. In many smaller or rural counties—particularly in unincorporated areas—backyard chickens are generally more permissive, with fewer restrictions on flock size, setbacks, and roosters (especially on larger parcels).

Examples of smaller/rural counties with generally permissive rules in unincorporated areas: Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, Colusa, Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Inyo, Lake, Lassen, Mariposa, Mendocino, Modoc, Mono, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Tehama, Trinity, Tuolumne, and Yuba.

Common patterns in these counties include:

• Hen Limits: Often 6–20+ hens, scaled by lot size (e.g., in Rural Residential or Agricultural zones).
• Roosters: Frequently allowed on parcels of ½–1 acre or more; restricted or banned in denser areas due to noise.
• Coop Setbacks: Typically 20–50 feet from neighboring dwellings and 5–10 feet from property lines.
• Permits: Rarely required for small flocks; some may need basic animal licensing.
• Major Unincorporated Cities: Areas such as Castro Valley (Alameda), Spring Valley (San Diego), Arden-Arcade (Sacramento), Florence-Graham (Los Angeles), and Oildale (Kern) follow their respective county codes rather than independent municipal ordinances.

Important: Rules vary significantly—even within the same county—based on zoning (e.g., Rural Residential vs. urban). Incorporated cities often have stricter ordinances. Always contact your county planning department, animal control, or land use services for your exact address.

California State Regulations & Biosecurity

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) primarily regulates commercial flocks, feed, and disease control. For backyard keepers, the key focus areas are health, transportation, and "Control Area" compliance.

• Biosecurity Focus: Due to past Avian Influenza outbreaks, CDFA strongly urges all flock owners to register their location (voluntary) and adhere to strict biosecurity to prevent disease spread.
• Rooster Ban Status: Roosters are generally legal statewide but are banned or severely restricted in nearly all major urban and suburban municipalities due to noise ordinances.

The 2025 Biosecurity Buffer: "Control Area" Restrictions

Warning: Proximity to commercial farms can trigger emergency state mandates.

If your property is within a 10-kilometer radius of a commercial poultry operation, you fall within a designated Control Area. In counties with high egg production—specifically Riverside, Merced, and Stanislaus—the CDFA can impose emergency "Stop Movement" orders during disease spikes. This legally halts the movement of all poultry, superseding local city permissions.

Proposition 12: The "Humane Housing" Benchmark

Technical Note: Prop 12 is the unofficial standard for local animal control inspections.

California’s Proposition 12 (the farm animal confinement law) is technically for commercial producers. However, in the event of a neighbor complaint or welfare check, CA municipal inspectors often use the Prop 12 standard—the "freedom to turn around, lie down, stand up, and fully extend limbs"—as the benchmark for what constitutes humane housing. Ensuring your coop allows at least 1 square foot of usable floor space per bird aligns your backyard practice with the state's official anti-cruelty baseline.

California Zoning and HOA Covenants

In California, local chicken regulations are almost always tied to the zoning designation of your property (e.g., R-1 Single Family Residential, AR Agricultural Residential, etc.). While a city's general ordinance may allow chickens, the specifics (like hen limit and setback) are often stricter in R-1 zones.

The ADU Setback Trap: SB 9 and Junior ADUs

Check your distance from all permitted structures, not just the primary house.

California's housing mandates (SB 9) have created a legal gray area. Many cities require coops to be 20–35 feet from "any dwelling." If an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU or Granny Flat) is built on your lot or your neighbor's lot, your coop may suddenly be out of compliance if it sits too close to that new living structure.

Crucial Step: Always check your local Assessor's website or Planning Department to confirm your zoning before acquiring birds or building a coop.

The HOA Rule: When Neighbors Ban Chickens

Warning: Homeowners Association (HOA) Rules Always Supersede City Law.

If you live in a community governed by an HOA, their restrictive covenants (CC&Rs) hold legal authority over local city ordinances regarding livestock. If your HOA documents prohibit fowl, you cannot keep chickens, even if your city or county allows them.

Permit, Licensing, and Inspection Requirements

While many large cities like Los Angeles and San Diego do not require a permit for small flocks (under 6 hens), several California cities do require annual registration or a one-time zoning permit. This process ensures the coop complies with health, safety, and nuisance standards.

Common California Chicken Permits:

• Animal License/Registration: An annual fee (e.g., ~$15–$30) to register your flock with Animal Control (e.g., Sacramento City). This is usually required for all animals on the property.
• Zoning Conformance Permit (ZCP): A one-time application (e.g., ~$50–$100) reviewed by the Planning Department to ensure the coop's location and size comply with setbacks and zoning (e.g., Irvine City).
• Health Inspection: Most cities require an Animal Control officer to inspect the coop's sanitation and housing structure upon complaint.

Predator Threats in California & Coop Security

Due to widespread urban sprawl near wildlands, California chicken keepers face some of the highest predator pressures in the U.S. Your coop must be built not just to satisfy setback rules, but to withstand determined attacks by local wildlife.

Primary California Predators

• Diggers: Coyotes and Foxes are prevalent everywhere and will dig under weak fences.
• Climbers: Raccoons are highly intelligent and can open simple latches and tear through thin wire.
• Aerial: Hawks (Red-tailed, Cooper’s) are a constant daytime threat, especially in open areas.

Apex Predators: The Foothill "Fortress" Standard

Warning: Standard hardware cloth is often insufficient in the Urban-Wildland Interface (WUI).

Unlike Delaware or Hawaii, California keepers in the foothills—specifically areas like Altadena, Los Gatos, and Santa Cruz—face apex predators including Mountain Lions and Bobcats. In these specific CA zip codes, predators have been known to simply rip doors off hinges or tear through standard 1/2" mesh.

To achieve "Fortress" level security in these zones, coops require:

• Heavy-Gauge Cattle Panels: Use 2"x4" welded wire or cattle panels over your hardware cloth to provide structural reinforcement against the weight of a 100lb lion.
• Enclosed "Fortress" Runs: A fully enclosed roof is mandatory, as Mountain Lions can jump over 15 feet vertically into an open run.
• Two-Step Locking Latches: Use carabiners or spring-loaded locks that raccoons and other clever climbers cannot manipulate.

Biosecurity and Coop Standard

To comply with both city nuisance rules and CDFA biosecurity recommendations, your coop must:

• Be secured with ½ inch hardware cloth (not flimsy chicken wire) buried at least 12 inches deep or bent into a predator apron around the perimeter.
• Feature vermin-proof feed storage to avoid attracting rats and other pests which, in turn, attract larger predators.

Selling Backyard Eggs in California

California allows small-scale backyard producers to sell fresh shell eggs directly to consumers, but most sellers must register as an egg handler with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). Small flocks (typically under 500 hens) may qualify for limited exemptions from some labeling/marking rules when selling direct from the production site.

• Registration: Required for anyone producing, handling, or selling eggs (including backyard flocks). Register via CDFA's Egg Safety and Quality Management Program — no exceptions for small sellers.
• Direct Sales: Allowed from your property, farmers' markets, farm stands, or events. Eggs must be from your own flock and handled under sanitary conditions.
• Labeling: Consumer packages need name/address, quantity, "keep refrigerated," sell-by date, size/grade (if applicable), and CA handler code. Small direct sales from flocks ≤500 hens may skip some markings if no advertising is used.
• Restrictions: Eggs must be refrigerated properly (below 45°F after packing). No sales across state lines without additional federal compliance. Larger operations (>3,000 hens) fall under FDA Egg Safety Rule.
• Pro Tip: For hobby/small-scale sales, start with CDFA registration (simple online process). Always check local county rules for extra requirements.

For full details and registration, visit the official CDFA Egg Safety and Quality Management Program.

California State Poultry Slaughter Rules

Under California Food and Agricultural Code (aligned with federal USDA Poultry Products Inspection Act — PPIA) and no separate state poultry inspection program, backyard poultry owners follow these guidelines statewide:

• Personal Use: Fully legal and exempt. You may slaughter birds you raised yourself for your household, family, non-paying guests, or employees without any inspection required.
• Commercial Sale: Restricted. Home-slaughtered poultry meat cannot be sold unless processed in a USDA-inspected facility or under a federal small-producer exemption (e.g., Producer/Grower ≤1,000 birds/year or ≤20,000 birds/year with limits on sales/distribution). Most backyard operations do not qualify for resale; direct sales of exempt product are limited to consumers at approved locations (e.g., on-farm only in many cases).
• Humane Standards: Required. Personal processing must follow humane handling practices under state animal welfare laws and sanitary conditions to ensure products are fit for human food.
• Nuisance Laws: Strictly enforced locally. On-site slaughter in residential areas may be restricted or prohibited due to noise, odors, visibility, waste, or public nuisance ordinances — even if ownership is allowed. Cities/counties often cite these issues quickly.

California operations rely on federal exemptions (1,000- or 20,000-bird limits) with no state-specific bird cap for exempt growers. For official guidance, review USDA FSIS poultry exemptions or contact CDFA Meat, Poultry & Egg Safety Branch.

Next Step: Essential Guides for Backyard Chicken Success

In densely populated California cities where space is a premium, use these compact 4x12 chicken coop designs to maximize your backyard footprint. For coop maintenance, view our Ultimate Backyard Chicken Coop Management Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions