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

Last Updated June 20, 2026

While local cities and counties govern the specific number of birds you can keep, the State of California maintains overarching authority regarding animal health, disease prevention, and public safety. Our complete guide will answer your questions about how many chickens you can have in your backyard within city limits, permits, roosters in residential areas, setbacks, and more.

CDFA Official Source: California Poultry Regulations (Official Government Site)

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are roosters allowed in California cities and residential zones?

Rooster rules vary widely across California. Many large cities prohibit roosters due to noise concerns, while some cities—such as Bakersfield and Los Angeles—allow them. Rural and agricultural zones generally permit roosters.

Do I need a permit for backyard chickens in California?

Permit requirements depend on the city. Some cities require no permit, others require a simple registration, and some require distance setbacks or special approvals. Always check your local municipal code. All flock owners must also follow state-level animal health and welfare regulations.

How many chickens can I have within Anaheim city limits?

Anaheim, California allows up to 6 hens. Roosters are not allowed.

How many chickens can I have within Bakersfield city limits?

Bakersfield, California allows up to 50 hens. Roosters are allowed.

How many chickens can I have within Fresno city limits?

Fresno, California has a total ban on poultry within city limits.

How many chickens can I have within Long Beach city limits?

Long Beach, California allows up to 6 hens. Roosters are not allowed.

How many chickens can I have within Los Angeles city limits?

Los Angeles, California does not specify a hen limit in its general code. Roosters are allowed.

How many chickens can I have within Oakland city limits?

Oakland, California allows up to 6 hens. Roosters are not allowed.

How many chickens can I have within Sacramento city limits?

Sacramento, California allows up to 6 hens. Roosters are not allowed.

How many chickens can I have within San Diego city limits?

San Diego, California allows up to 5 hens. Roosters are not allowed.

How many chickens can I have within San Francisco city limits?

San Francisco, California allows up to 4 hens. Roosters are not allowed.

How many chickens can I have within San Jose city limits?

San Jose, California allows up to 6 hens without a permit, and up to 20 hens with a permit and required distance setbacks. Roosters are not allowed.

California Backyard Chicken Laws by City and County

Find your city or town below for detailed rules regarding your local limits.

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

Alameda County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Castro Valley, Dublin, Emeryville, Fremont, Hayward, Livermore, Newark, Oakland, Piedmont, Pleasanton, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, Sunol, Union City.

Alameda, CA

Albany, CA

Berkeley, CA

Dublin, CA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: Not specified | Key Restrictions: Chickens can only be kept in areas that are in the Agricultural Zoning District. An Animal Fancier Permit is required to keep livestock accessory to any residential zone dwelling unit. | Section: § 5.36.030 | Source: dublinca.gov

Emeryville, CA

Fremont, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: At least 10ft from property line for 1 to 5 chickens, 35ft for 6 chickens | Key Restrictions: Only allowed on residential lots with an area of more than 6,000 square feet; completely prohibited on residential lots less than 6,000 square feet. | Section: § 6.10.040 & § 6.10.130 | Source: fremont.gov

Hayward, CA

Hen Limit: Dependent on available open area and lot size | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: At least 40ft from a chicken coop to any neighbor's residence | Key Restrictions: Requires a Zoning Conformance Permit. | Section: § 10-1.2735 | Source: hayward-ca.gov

Livermore, CA

Newark, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 4 hen chickens | Roosters: Required with a permit | Permit: Required with $150 fee for more than 4 hens or any rooster | Setback: Not specified | Key Restrictions: Up to 4 hens are considered domestic pets without a permit. Keeping any rooster or exceeding 4 hens triggers the Animal Fancier's Permit process. | Section: § 6.32.010 | Source: newarkca.gov

Oakland, CA

Piedmont, CA

Pleasanton, CA

San Leandro, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 4 chickens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Coop must be 5ft from property lines and 20ft from an adjacent dwelling | Key Restrictions: Parcels smaller than 4,500 square feet require an Animal Permit. Up to 10 chickens maximum are allowed with a permit. | Section: § 4-11-1205 & § 4-11-1305 | Source: sanleandro.org

Union City, CA

Unincorporated Alameda County (Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, Sunol)

Hen Limit: 1 fowl for each 200 sq ft of available space up to 50 fowl maximum | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 40ft from the coop to any neighboring dwelling | Key Restrictions: Requires an Animal Fancier's Permit and inspection by Alameda County Animal Control; no permit is required for properties zoned under the combining L district with at least 40,000 sq ft. | Section: § 5.28 & Title 17 | Source: acgov.org

Unincorporated: Kirkwood, Markleeville.

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified | Key Restrictions: All communities in Alpine County are unincorporated and governed by the county code. Under the county development code, non-commercial animal and poultry husbandry is protected as a standard agricultural use, provided flocks are kept securely confined to the owner's premises. | Section: § 18.08.050 & § 6.04.010 | Source: codepublishing.com

Amador County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Amador City, Drytown, Fiddletown, Ione, Jackson, Martell, Pine Grove, Pioneer, Plymouth, River Pines, Sutter Creek, Volcano.

Amador City, CA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified | Key Restrictions: The city formally adopts Title 8 of the Amador County Code. Keeping poultry is permitted under broad county animal definitions provided they do not run at large, trespass on private property, or habitually make loud noises for 15 consecutive minutes or longer. | Section: § 6.04.010 & § 8.08.030 | Source: amador-city.com

Ione, CA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified | Key Restrictions: The municipal layout allows for light agricultural uses including the raising and grazing of poultry accessory to single-family residential properties, provided the flock does not create a nuisance to contiguous properties. | Section: § 17.10.090.F | Source: hcd.ca.gov

Jackson, CA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified | Key Restrictions: Light farming and keeping of poultry are classified as permitted accessory uses within residential zoning districts. However, commercial poultry operations or commercial chicken ranches are explicitly prohibited in these zones. | Section: § 17.07.030 | Source: ecode360.com

Plymouth, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens on lots between 4,000 and 12,000 sq ft; up to 12 hens on lots 12,000 sq ft or larger | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: At least 5ft from side and rear property lines, and a minimum of 25ft from any habitable structure on adjoining parcels | Key Restrictions: Properties under 4,000 square feet are prohibited from keeping hens. Coops must not be located within the standard front yard setback of the residential zone. | Section: § 7.52.030 & § 7.52.040 | Source: ecode360.com

Sutter Creek, CA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified | Key Restrictions: Small-scale poultry husbandry is classified as an allowable domestic residential accessory activity, provided the animals are contained and do not cause a continuous odor or sound nuisance to neighboring boundaries. | Section: Title 13 / Zoning Ordinance | Source: cityofsuttercreek.org

Unincorporated: Drytown, Fiddletown, Martell, Pine Grove, Pioneer, River Pines, Volcano.

Hen Limit: Allowed in household numbers for family use | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified | Key Restrictions: The raising, feeding, and maintaining of chickens and small fowl in household numbers for personal family use is allowed as a matter of right without a permit in AG (Agricultural) districts, and as light accessory farming in residential zones. Commercial chicken ranches are prohibited outside of specialized agricultural boundaries. | Section: § 19.24.020 & § 17.07 | Source: ecode360.com

Butte County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Bangor, Berry Creek, Biggs, Chico, Clipper Mills, Durham, Feather Falls, Forbestown, Forest Ranch, Gridley, Magalia, Nelson, Oroville, Palermo, Paradise, Richvale, Stirling City.

Biggs, CA

Chico, CA

Gridley, CA

Oroville, CA

Paradise, CA

Unincorporated: Bangor, Berry Creek, Clipper Mills, Durham, Feather Falls, Forbestown, Forest Ranch, Magalia, Nelson, Palermo, Richvale, Stirling City.

Hen Limit: 1 chicken per 250 sq ft of fenced yard up to 15 birds per 5,000 sq ft | Roosters: Not allowed on lots under 5 acres | Permit: Not required | Setback: Enclosure must be 20ft from neighboring structures | Section: § 24-158(H) | Source: buttecounty.net

Calaveras County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Altaville, Angels Camp, Arnold, Avery, Burson, Campo Seco, Copperopolis, Douglas Flat, Glencoe, Hathaway Pines, Mokelumne Hill, Mountain Ranch, Murphys, Rail Road Flat, San Andreas, Vallecito, Valley Springs, Wallace, West Point, Wilseyville.

Angels Camp, CA

Unincorporated: Altaville, Arnold, Avery, Burson, Campo Seco, Copperopolis, Douglas Flat, Glencoe, Hathaway Pines, Mokelumne Hill, Mountain Ranch, Murphys, Rail Road Flat, San Andreas, Vallecito, Valley Springs, Wallace, West Point, Wilseyville.

Hen Limit: Allowed in household numbers up to 40 fowl per acre based on zone density | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified | Key Restrictions: Fowl keeping is broadly classified under domestic residential or agricultural use by right depending on lot size, provided animals do not cause an external sound or odor nuisance. | Section: § 17.25.060 | Source: calaverasgov.us

Colusa County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Arbuckle, Colusa, Grimes, Maxwell, Princeton, Stonyford, Williams.

Colusa, CA

Williams, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25ft from neighbor's dwellings, 10ft from side property lines, 5ft from rear lines | Key Restrictions: Fowl are only allowed on single-family residential lots that meet minimum area requirements. | Section: § 6.04.100 | Source: cityofwilliams.org

Unincorporated: Arbuckle, Grimes, Maxwell, Princeton, Stonyford.

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 40ft from the nearest neighboring residence for animal structures | Key Restrictions: Backyard poultry and light husbandry are permitted by right on unincorporated properties zoned for residential or agricultural use. | Section: § 4.10 & Appendix A | Source: countyofcolusa.org

Contra Costa County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Alamo, Antioch, Brentwood, Concord, Danville, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Hercules, Lafayette, Martinez, Moraga, Oakley, Orinda, Pinole, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Richmond, San Pablo, San Ramon, Walnut Creek.

Antioch, CA

Brentwood, CA

Concord, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 12 fowl on parcels up to 20,000 sq ft | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25ft from all exterior property lines | Key Restrictions: One additional fowl may be kept for each additional 1,500 sq ft of land area over 20,000 sq ft. | Section: § 10-1 | Source: cityofconcord.org

Danville, CA

El Cerrito, CA

Pittsburg, CA

Richmond, CA

Hen Limit: Prudent and reasonable number based on facilities | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: At least 20ft from any window or door of any dwelling structure | Section: § 9.24.040 & § 9.24.060 | Source: ci.richmond.ca.us

Walnut Creek, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 3 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Enclosure cannot be located within the front yard | Key Restrictions: Chickens are classified as household pets up to the 3-animal limit. Keeping more than 3 chickens or roosters requires a minimum 40,000 sq ft parcel or a Minor Use Permit. | Section: § 10-2.3.108 | Source: ecode360.com

Unincorporated: Alamo, El Sobrante, Hercules, Lafayette, Martinez, Moraga, Oakley, Orinda, Pinole, Pleasant Hill, San Pablo, San Ramon.

Hen Limit: Up to 3 fowl per parcel | Roosters: Allowed on lots over 1 acre | Permit: Not required for 3 or fewer birds; an Animal Fancier Permit is required for 4 or more | Setback: Structures must be at least 40ft from any neighboring residence | Section: § 416-4 | Source: contracosta.ca.gov

Del Norte County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Crescent City, Fort Dick, Gasquet, Klamath, Smith River.

Crescent City, CA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified | Key Restrictions: Backyard poultry is permitted as long as the keeping of fowl does not constitute a public nuisance, harbor pests, or generate unmanageable runoff or noise violations. | Section: § 8.08.020 | Source: ecode360.com

Unincorporated: Fort Dick, Gasquet, Klamath, Smith River.

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified | Key Restrictions: Fowl are permitted as standard non-commercial agricultural uses by right on all unincorporated single-family residential parcels and agricultural lots, provided they are securely confined within property boundaries. | Section: Title 21 / Zoning Code | Source: co.del-norte.ca.us

El Dorado County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Camino, Coloma, Cool, Diamond Springs, El Dorado, El Dorado Hills, Garden Valley, Georgetown, Greenwood, Grizzly Flats, Lotus, Mount Aukum, Pilot Hill, Placerville, Pollock Pines, Rescue, Shingle Springs, Somerset, South Lake Tahoe, Tahoma.

Placerville, CA

South Lake Tahoe, CA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified | Key Restrictions: Governed directly by Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) land use regulations and city animal codes which prohibit standalone backyard poultry infrastructure in the Tahoe Basin due to wildlife management mandates. | Section: § 6.85.020 | Source: cityofslt.us

Unincorporated: Camino, Coloma, Cool, Diamond Springs, El Dorado, El Dorado Hills, Garden Valley, Georgetown, Greenwood, Grizzly Flats, Lotus, Mount Aukum, Pilot Hill, Pollock Pines, Rescue, Shingle Springs, Somerset, Tahoma.

Hen Limit: Allowed in reasonable household numbers based on standard zoning classification | Roosters: Not allowed on lots less than 3 acres | Permit: Not required | Setback: Standard accessory structure setbacks apply based on specific residential zone dimensions | Key Restrictions: The keeping of roosters, guinea hens, or pea hens is strictly prohibited on any residential property measuring less than 3 acres in size. | Section: § 17.40 | Source: eldoradocounty.ca.gov

Fresno County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Auberry, Caruthers, Clovis, Coalinga, Firebaugh, Fowler, Fresno, Huron, Kerman, Kingsburg, Laton, Mendota, Orange Cove, Parlier, Reedley, Riverdale, San Joaquin, Sanger, Selma, Squaw Valley.

Clovis, CA

Coalinga, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens on lots 5,000 sq ft or greater; 2 additional hens per 1,000 sq ft over 5,000 sq ft up to 8 hens maximum | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 5ft from adjacent property lines | Key Restrictions: Prohibited on residential lots under 5,000 square feet. | Section: § 6-1.32(c) | Source: coalinga.com

Fresno, CA

Total ban on poultry within city limits | Section: § 10-201 | Source: fresno.gov

Unincorporated: Auberry, Caruthers, Firebaugh, Fowler, Huron, Kerman, Kingsburg, Laton, Mendota, Orange Cove, Parlier, Reedley, Riverdale, San Joaquin, Sanger, Selma, Squaw Valley.

Hen Limit: Up to 500 birds for domestic use | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 50ft from property lines and 100ft from public roads for poultry structures | Key Restrictions: Up to 500 birds are exempt from standard commercial poultry facility regulations as long as they are kept for private domestic use. | Section: § 868 | Source: fresnocountyca.gov

Glenn County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Artois, Butte City, Elk Creek, Glenn, Hamilton City, Orland, Willows.

Orland, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required with a $15.00 fee | Setback: 20ft from any neighboring residence, 5ft from side and rear property lines | Key Restrictions: Only allowed on single-family residential lots with an Administrative Use Permit. | Section: § 6.08.060 & § 17.76.110 | Source: cityoforland.com

Willows, CA

Unincorporated: Artois, Butte City, Elk Creek, Glenn, Hamilton City.

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 30ft from side or rear property lines for livestock and poultry structures | Key Restrictions: Backyard poultry and hobby husbandry are permitted by right on all unincorporated residential and agricultural zones. | Section: Title 15 / Unified Development Code | Source: countyofglenn.net

Humboldt County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Arcata, Bayside, Blue Lake, Carlotta, Eureka, Ferndale, Fortuna, Garberville, Hoopa, Hydesville, Kneeland, Loleta, Mckinleyville, Miranda, Redway, Rio Dell, Scotia, Trinidad, Whitethorn, Willow Creek.

Arcata, CA

Blue Lake, CA

Eureka, CA

Ferndale, CA

Fortuna, CA

Rio Dell, CA

Trinidad, CA

Unincorporated: Bayside, Carlotta, Garberville, Hoopa, Hydesville, Kneeland, Loleta, Mckinleyville, Miranda, Redway, Scotia, Whitethorn, Willow Creek.

Imperial County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Bard, Brawley, Calexico, Calipatria, El Centro, Heber, Holtville, Imperial, Niland, Ocotillo, Palo Verde, Salton City, Seeley, Westmorland, Winterhaven.

Brawley, CA

Calexico, CA

Calipatria, CA

El Centro, CA

Holtville, CA

Imperial, CA

Westmorland, CA

Unincorporated: Bard, Heber, Niland, Ocotillo, Palo Verde, Salton City, Seeley, Winterhaven.

Hen Limit: Allowed in reasonable family numbers depending on parcel acreage | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Animal structures must remain 40ft from property lines and 100ft from public roads | Key Restrictions: Raising and maintaining poultry is protected as an accessory residential use or standard agricultural use by right based on the specific zoning tier. | Section: Title 9 / Land Use | Source: imperialcounty.org

Inyo County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Big Pine, Bishop, Darwin, Death Valley, Independence, Keeler, Little Lake, Lone Pine, Olancha, Shoshone, Tecopa.

Bishop, CA

Unincorporated: Big Pine, Darwin, Death Valley, Independence, Keeler, Little Lake, Lone Pine, Olancha, Shoshone, Tecopa.

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 40ft from all property lines for animal pens and structures | Key Restrictions: Fowl husbandry is permitted as an accessory agricultural use by right on unincorporated properties, provided enclosures are kept sanitary and structural setbacks are maintained. | Section: Title 18 / Zoning | Source: inyocounty.us

Kern County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Arvin, Bakersfield, Buttonwillow, California City, Delano, Edwards, Frazier Park, Inyokern, Lake Isabella, Lamont, Lost Hills, Mc Farland, Mojave, Pine Mountain Club, Ridgecrest, Rosamond, Shafter, Taft, Tehachapi, Wasco.

Arvin, CA

Bakersfield, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 50 poultry birds max based on square footage rules | Roosters: Allowed if kept 100ft away from dwellings | Permit: Not required | Setback: 20ft from any property line; 50ft from neighboring dwellings for up to 12 birds, 100ft for more than 12 birds | Section: § 6.08.010 | Source: bakersfieldcity.us

California City, CA

Delano, CA

McFarland, CA

Ridgecrest, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens on standard lots; up to 12 hens on lots over 10,000 sq ft | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 20ft from neighbor dwellings, 5ft from rear/side lines | Section: § 6-4.1 | Source: ridgecrest-ca.gov

Shafter, CA

Taft, CA

Tehachapi, CA

Wasco, CA

Unincorporated: Buttonwillow, Edwards, Frazier Park, Inyokern, Lake Isabella, Lamont, Lost Hills, Mojave, Pine Mountain Club, Rosamond.

Hen Limit: Up to 12 poultry birds on standard residential lots | Roosters: Not allowed on lots under 1 acre | Permit: Not required | Setback: Structures must be 20ft from rear/side lines and 40ft from neighboring dwellings | Section: § 19.14.030 | Source: kerncounty.com

Kings County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Armona, Avenal, Corcoran, Hanford, Kettleman City, Lemoore, Stratford.

Avenal, CA

Corcoran, CA

Hanford, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required with an annual fee | Setback: 40ft from adjacent dwellings, 5ft from property lines | Key Restrictions: Requires a residential chicken permit and written notice to contiguous property owners. | Section: § 6.04.140 | Source: cityofhanfordca.com

Lemoore, CA

Unincorporated: Armona, Kettleman City, Stratford.

Lake County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Clearlake, Clearlake Oaks, Clearlake Park, Cobb, Finley, Glenhaven, Hidden Valley Lake, Kelseyville, Lakeport, Lower Lake, Lucerne, Middletown, Nice, Upper Lake, Witter Springs.

Clearlake, CA

Lakeport, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required with a $25 fee | Setback: 20ft from neighboring residential structures, 5ft from property lines | Key Restrictions: Only allowed on single-family residential lots with an approved permit. | Section: § 5.04.110 | Source: cityoflakeport.com

Unincorporated: Clearlake Oaks, Clearlake Park, Cobb, Finley, Glenhaven, Hidden Valley Lake, Kelseyville, Lower Lake, Lucerne, Middletown, Nice, Upper Lake, Witter Springs.

Hen Limit: Up to 12 poultry birds on residential parcels | Roosters: Not allowed on lots under 40,000 sq ft | Permit: Not required | Setback: 40ft from neighboring dwellings for all poultry enclosures | Section: Chapter 4 & Chapter 21 | Source: lakecounty.ca.gov

Lassen County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Bieber, Doyle, Herlong, Janesville, Litchfield, Madeline, Milford, Nubieber, Ravendale, Standish, Susanville, Termo, Wendel, Westwood.

Susanville, CA

Unincorporated: Bieber, Doyle, Herlong, Janesville, Litchfield, Madeline, Milford, Nubieber, Ravendale, Standish, Termo, Wendel, Westwood.

Los Angeles County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Baldwin Park, Bell Gardens, Bellflower, Hawthorne, Huntington Park, La Puente, Lancaster, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Lynwood, Norwalk, Pacoima, Palmdale, Panorama City, Pomona, Reseda, South Gate, Sylmar.

Baldwin Park, CA

Total ban on poultry within city limits | Section: § 90.15 | Source: amlegal.com

Bell Gardens, CA

Total ban on poultry within city limits | Section: § 6.04.030 | Source: amlegal.com

Bellflower, CA

Hawthorne, CA

Huntington Park, CA

Total ban on poultry within city limits | Section: § 5-1.10 | Source: library.municode.com

La Puente, CA

Lancaster, CA

Long Beach, CA

Los Angeles, CA

Lynwood, CA

Norwalk, CA

Palmdale, CA

Pomona, CA

South Gate, CA

Unincorporated Los Angeles County (Pacoima, Panorama City, Reseda, Sylmar)

Hen Limit: Up to 2 birds without a permit; up to 10 with a permit | Roosters: Allowed on lots over 1 acre if 100ft away from dwellings | Permit: Required for 3 to 10 birds | Setback: 35ft from any neighboring residence or school | Section: § 10.40.010 & Title 22 | Source: lacounty.gov

Madera County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Ahwahnee, Bass Lake, Chowchilla, Coarsegold, Madera, North Fork, O Neals, Oakhurst, Raymond, Wishon.

Chowchilla, CA

Madera, CA

Unincorporated: Ahwahnee, Bass Lake, Coarsegold, North Fork, O Neals, Oakhurst, Raymond, Wishon.

Marin County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Belvedere Tiburon, Bolinas, Corte Madera, Fairfax, Forest Knolls, Greenbrae, Inverness, Lagunitas, Larkspur, Mill Valley, Nicasio, Novato, Point Reyes Station, Ross, San Anselmo, San Geronimo, San Rafael, Sausalito, Stinson Beach, Woodacre.

Larkspur, CA

Mill Valley, CA

Novato, CA

San Anselmo, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25ft from any neighboring dwelling structure | Key Restrictions: Strictly prohibited in commercial or multiple-family residential tiers. Enclosures must be completely secured against predators. | Section: § 6-7.01 | Source: townofsananselmo.org

San Rafael, CA

Sausalito, CA

Unincorporated: Belvedere Tiburon, Bolinas, Corte Madera, Fairfax, Forest Knolls, Greenbrae, Inverness, Lagunitas, Nicasio, Point Reyes Station, Ross, San Geronimo, Stinson Beach, Woodacre.

Hen Limit: Up to 12 fowl on standard residential lots | Roosters: Allowed on lots measuring 1 acre or larger | Permit: Not required | Setback: Coops and structures must be at least 30ft from side and rear property lines, and 40ft from any adjacent residence | Key Restrictions: Standard small-scale chicken keeping is permitted by right as an accessory agricultural activity provided enclosures are kept sanitary and noise does not create a public nuisance. | Section: § 22.32.030 | Source: marincounty.gov

Mariposa County, California Chicken Laws

Unincorporated Cities & Towns: Catheys Valley, Coulterville, El Portal, Fish Camp, Hornitos, Mariposa, Midpines, Yosemite National Park.

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified | Key Restrictions: Because Mariposa County does not contain any incorporated cities, backyard poultry husbandry throughout all towns and communities is governed by the County's unified code. Fowl keeping is protected by right under the Right to Agricultural Activity Ordinance, provided the animals are contained within the property boundaries and maintained in a clean manner that does not constitute a public nuisance. | Section: § 17.52.030 & § 18.04.030 | Source: mariposacounty.gov

Mendocino County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Albion, Boonville, Calpella, Comptche, Covelo, Elk, Fort Bragg, Gualala, Hopland, Laytonville, Little River, Manchester, Mendocino, Philo, Point Arena, Potter Valley, Redwood Valley, Talmage, Ukiah, Willits.

Fort Bragg, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 birds on lots under 10,000 sq ft; 12 birds per acre on larger lots | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Not required for standard limits; Minor Use Permit required in High-Density zones | Setback: Enclosures must be 10ft from side/rear property lines and 25ft from streets and neighboring dwellings | Section: § 18.42.040 | Source: codepublishing.com

Ukiah, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 50ft from any building used for human habitation, 5ft from side or rear property lines | Key Restrictions: Coops or pens are strictly restricted to the rear one-third (1/3) of the residential lot. | Section: § 20.032.030 | Source: cityofukiah.com

Willits, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 chickens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Enclosures must be kept at a reasonable distance from neighboring residential openings to manage noise and odors | Section: Chapter 6 / Animals | Source: willitsweekly.com

Unincorporated: Albion, Boonville, Calpella, Comptche, Covelo, Elk, Gualala, Hopland, Laytonville, Little River, Manchester, Mendocino, Philo, Point Arena, Potter Valley, Redwood Valley, Talmage.

Hen Limit: Allowed in reasonable family-use numbers based on zone density | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Coops, barns, and animal houses must be located at least 50ft from any property boundary line | Section: Title 20 / Division II | Source: mendocinocounty.gov

Merced County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Atwater, Ballico, Cressey, Delhi, Dos Palos, El Nido, Gustine, Hilmar, Le Grand, Livingston, Los Banos, Merced, Planada, Santa Rita Park, Snelling, South Dos Palos, Stevinson, Winton.

Atwater, CA

Dos Palos, CA

Gustine, CA

Livingston, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 10 birds | Roosters: Allowed on properties measuring 1 acre or more | Permit: Not required | Setback: 50ft from any residential building used for habitation | Section: Title 6 / Health & Animals | Source: cityoflivingston.org

Los Banos, CA

Total ban on poultry keeping within standard residential zones | Section: Title 9 / Chapter 3 | Source: losbanos.org

Merced, CA

Unincorporated: Ballico, Cressey, Delhi, El Nido, Hilmar, Le Grand, Planada, Santa Rita Park, Snelling, South Dos Palos, Stevinson, Winton.

Hen Limit: Permitted for non-commercial household use by right based on property boundaries | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required for personal domestic backyard use; Commercial permits required for industrial-scale fowl production | Setback: Backyard enclosures must stand 50ft from interior property lines and 150ft from the center line of public roads | Section: § 7.08.080 | Source: ecode360.com

Modoc County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Adin, Alturas, Canby, Cedarville, Davis Creek, Eagleville, Fort Bidwell, Lake City, Likely, Lookout.

Alturas, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Enclosures must be 20ft from any neighboring residence and 5ft from property lines | Key Restrictions: Kept strictly for non-commercial home use; must be housed in a secure, predator-proof coop in the rear yard. | Section: Chapter 4 / Animals and Fowl | Source: cityofalturas.org

Unincorporated: Adin, Canby, Cedarville, Davis Creek, Eagleville, Fort Bidwell, Lake City, Likely, Lookout.

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 30ft from side or rear property boundaries for animal housing structures | Key Restrictions: Small-scale poultry and hobby husbandry are permitted by right in all rural residential and agricultural districts. Up to 1,000 birds per year can be processed on-farm under local direct-to-consumer small enterprise exemptions. | Section: Title 18 / Zoning | Source: modoccounty.com

Mono County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Benton, Bridgeport, Coleville, June Lake, Lee Vining, Mammoth Lakes, Topaz.

Mammoth Lakes, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Enclosures must be at least 40ft from any neighboring residence and 15ft from side or rear property lines | Section: Chapter 17.36 | Source: townofmammothlakes.ca.gov

Unincorporated: Benton, Bridgeport, Coleville, June Lake, Lee Vining, Topaz.

Hen Limit: Up to 4 small livestock animals (including chickens) on standard residential lots; greater limits apply on agricultural parcels | Roosters: Not allowed on standard residential lots | Permit: Not required for standard hobby numbers | Setback: Coop structures must be located in the rear yard and situated at least 15ft from any property line of an adjoining lot | Section: Chapter 04 / General Plan Land Use | Source: monocounty.ca.gov

Monterey County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Aromas, Big Sur, Bradley, Carmel, Carmel By The Sea, Carmel Valley, Castroville, Chualar, Gonzales, Greenfield, King City, Marina, Monterey, Moss Landing, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, San Ardo, Seaside, Soledad, Spreckels.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Gonzales, CA

Greenfield, CA

King City, CA

Marina, CA

Monterey, CA

Pacific Grove, CA

Seaside, CA

Soledad, CA

Unincorporated: Aromas, Big Sur, Bradley, Carmel, Carmel Valley, Castroville, Chualar, Moss Landing, Pebble Beach, San Ardo, Spreckels.

Hen Limit: Up to 30 poultry birds on standard residential lots over 10,000 sq ft | Roosters: Allowed on parcels measuring 1 acre or more | Permit: Not required for domestic limits | Setback: Enclosures must stand at least 50ft from any neighboring residential structure | Section: Title 21 / Zoning | Source: co.monterey.ca.us

Napa County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: American Canyon, Angwin, Calistoga, Deer Park, Napa, Oakville, Pope Valley, Rutherford, Saint Helena, Yountville.

American Canyon, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Enclosures must be in the rear yard, 20ft from any neighboring dwelling, and 5ft from property lines | Section: § 6.12.020 | Source: cityofamericancanyon.org

Calistoga, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required (Animal Keeping Permit) | Setback: 20ft from neighboring residential buildings and 5ft from side or rear property boundaries | Section: § 17.22.040 | Source: ci.calistoga.ca.us

Napa, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 3 hens on standard single-family residential lots | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Coops must be located in the rear yard and placed at least 20ft away from any neighbor's dwelling | Section: § 6.04.140 | Source: cityofnapa.org

Saint Helena, CA

Yountville, CA

Unincorporated: Angwin, Deer Park, Oakville, Pope Valley, Rutherford.

Hen Limit: Up to 25 poultry birds by right on rural residential lots; no hen limits apply in agricultural zones | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required for non-commercial domestic backyard flocks | Setback: Enclosures and structures housing poultry must stand at least 40ft from any neighboring residence or school | Section: Title 18 / Zoning | Source: countyofnapa.org

Nevada County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Cedar Ridge, Chicago Park, Floriston, Grass Valley, Nevada City, North San Juan, Penn Valley, Rough And Ready, Smartsville, Truckee, Washington.

Grass Valley, CA

Nevada City, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required (Administrative Animal Permit) | Setback: Enclosures must be located in the rear yard and 20ft from any adjacent residential structure | Section: § 6.04.060 | Source: nevadacityca.gov

Truckee, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens on standard residential lots under 1 acre | Roosters: Not allowed on lots under 1 acre | Permit: Not required | Setback: 10ft from side and rear property lines, and 20ft from any neighboring dwelling | Section: § 18.58.050 | Source: townoftruckee.com

Unincorporated: Cedar Ridge, Chicago Park, Floriston, North San Juan, Penn Valley, Rough And Ready, Smartsville, Washington.

Hen Limit: Up to 12 hens by right on standard residential lots; no hen limits apply in agricultural zones | Roosters: Allowed on lots measuring 1 acre or larger | Permit: Not required for personal domestic flocks | Setback: Coops and runs must stand at least 30ft from side or rear property boundaries and 50ft from adjacent dwellings | Section: L-II § 3.3 | Source: nevadacountyca.gov

Orange County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Buena Park, Costa Mesa, Cypress, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine, La Habra, Laguna Niguel, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Placentia, Rancho Santa Margarita, Santa Ana, Tustin, Westminster, Yorba Linda.

Aliso Viejo, CA

Anaheim, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 poultry birds on lots under 20,000 sq ft; 1 bird per 1,800 sq ft on larger lots | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 20ft from any neighboring habitable building or structure | Section: § 18.38.030 | Source: anaheim.net

Buena Park, CA

Costa Mesa, CA

Cypress, CA

Fountain Valley, CA

Fullerton, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 24 hens (subject to total property size and drainage layouts) | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 50ft from any neighboring residential structure | Section: Chapter 6 / Animals | Source: cityoffullerton.com

Garden Grove, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens (lots under 10,000 sq ft); up to 10 hens (lots 10,000 sq ft or larger) | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required for keeping more than 5 hens | Setback: 40ft from any adjacent neighboring dwelling structure | Section: Title 14 / Animals | Source: ggcity.org

Huntington Beach, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 poultry birds total (including chickens, ducks, or geese) | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Enclosures must stand at least 25ft away from any neighboring dwelling house, school, or church | Section: Chapter 7.12 | Source: ecode360.com

Irvine, CA

La Habra, CA

Laguna Niguel, CA

Lake Forest, CA

Mission Viejo, CA

Placentia, CA

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Santa Ana, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens without a special permit | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Special Permit required to keep more than 4 hens | Setback: 30ft from neighboring structures for up to 4 hens; 100ft required for flocks larger than 4 | Section: § 5-6 | Source: santa-ana.org

Tustin, CA

Westminster, CA

Yorba Linda, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 fowl total on standard residential properties | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 50ft from any adjoining neighboring residential dwelling house | Section: Article 7 / Animal Regulations | Source: ecode360.com

Placer County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Alta, Applegate, Auburn, Carnelian Bay, Colfax, Foresthill, Granite Bay, Kings Beach, Lincoln, Loomis, Meadow Vista, Newcastle, Olympic Valley, Penryn, Rocklin, Roseville, Sheridan, Tahoe City, Tahoe Vista, Weimar.

Auburn, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens on parcels under 1 acre; up to 10 hens on parcels 1 acre or larger | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required (Fowl Permit) | Setback: Enclosures must be at least 20ft from any property line and cannot be placed in required front or side yard setbacks | Section: Chapter 97 | Source: auburn.ca.gov

Colfax, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 8 chickens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required ($1 one-time administrative permit) | Setback: Coops may be built within 5ft of a property line, but must maintain a minimum 5ft setback from buildings on adjacent properties | Key Restrictions: Coops must feature a slide-out manure tray to ensure sanitary cleaning and food waste diversion compliance. | Section: § 6.20.020 | Source: colfaxchamber.com

Lincoln, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens on lots 1 acre or less; 1 additional hen per half-acre over 1 acre (max 10 total) | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required (Zoning/Animal Permit process through City Clerk) | Setback: 10ft from all property lines, 12ft from owner's home, and 30ft from neighboring houses | Section: Chapter 6.2 / Zoning | Source: lincolnca.gov

Rocklin, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 10 poultry birds total | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Not required for standard residential keeping | Setback: Coops and runs must be positioned at least 20ft from any adjacent building or property line | Section: Title 6 / Animals | Source: rocklin.ca.us

Roseville, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 10 birds total (including chickens, ducks, or pigeons) | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Not required for standard limits; Special Animal Permit ($25/year) required to exceed 10 birds | Setback: Coops and attached fenced runs must be kept at least 20ft away from any property line or building | Section: § 7.36.010 & § 7.36.020 | Source: roseville.ca.us

Unincorporated: Alta, Applegate, Carnelian Bay, Foresthill, Granite Bay, Kings Beach, Loomis, Meadow Vista, Newcastle, Olympic Valley, Penryn, Sheridan, Tahoe City, Tahoe Vista, Weimar.

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens in Single-Family (RS/RM) zones on lots of 5,000+ sq ft; up to 9 hens on lots under half-acre; up to 15 hens on lots under 1 acre in Agriculture-Combining zones; no hen limits apply in pure agricultural zones | Roosters: Prohibited in residential zones; allowed in standard agricultural zone tiers | Permit: Not required for basic residential flocks | Setback: Enclosures cannot be closer to a neighboring house than to the owner's primary dwelling, and must follow basic structural setbacks matching the zoning boundary | Section: § 17.56.050(F)(6) | Source: placer.ca.gov

Plumas County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Beckwourth, Belden, Blairsden Graeagle, Canyon Dam, Chester, Chilcoot, Clio, Crescent Mills, Greenville, Meadow Valley, Portola, Quincy, Storrie, Strawberry Valley, Taylorsville, Twain, Vinton.

Portola, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Enclosures must be located in the rear yard, at least 20ft from neighboring dwellings, and 5ft from property lines | Section: Chapter 6.04 | Source: cityofportola.com

Unincorporated: Beckwourth, Belden, Blairsden Graeagle, Canyon Dam, Chester, Chilcoot, Clio, Crescent Mills, Greenville, Meadow Valley, Quincy, Storrie, Strawberry Valley, Taylorsville, Twain, Vinton.

Hen Limit: Permitted by right on standard residential parcels; no hen limits apply in agricultural zones | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required for domestic hobby production | Setback: Animal structures and coops must be located at least 20ft from side or rear property boundaries and 50ft from adjacent habitable residences | Section: Title 9 / Chapter 2 | Source: plumascounty.us

Riverside County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Beaumont, Cathedral City, Coachella, Corona, Desert Hot Springs, Hemet, Indio, Jurupa Valley, La Quinta, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Mira Loma, Moreno Valley, Murrieta, Perris, Riverside, Temecula, Wildomar, Winchester.

Beaumont, CA

Cathedral City, CA

Coachella, CA

Corona, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 10 chickens (on single-family parcels 5,000 sq ft or larger) | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required (Chicken Keeping Permit through Animal Services) | Setback: Chicken houses or coops must maintain a minimum 10ft setback from all property lines | Section: Chapter 6.20 | Source: corona.legistar.com

Desert Hot Springs, CA

Hemet, CA

Indio, CA

Jurupa Valley, CA

La Quinta, CA

Lake Elsinore, CA

Menifee, CA

Moreno Valley, CA

Murrieta, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 4 chickens (lots up to half-acre); up to 12 chickens (lots up to 1 acre); up to 30 birds per acre on larger lots | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Coops must be kept in the side or rear yard, placed at least 10ft from side or rear property boundary lines | Section: Title 6 / Animals | Source: murrietaca.gov

Perris, CA

Riverside, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 50 poultry birds (depending on total lot acreage restrictions) | Roosters: Not allowed on standard residential lots under 1 acre | Permit: Not required for personal domestic use limits | Setback: 50ft from any adjacent dwelling structure | Section: Title 6 / Animals | Source: riversideca.gov

Temecula, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 12 poultry birds on lots under 1 acre; up to 50 birds per acre on parcels greater than 1 acre | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Not required for standard limits | Setback: 75ft from property line | Section: § 6.08.010 | Source: ecode360.com

Wildomar, CA

Unincorporated: Mira Loma, Winchester.

Hen Limit: Up to 50 poultry birds on lots over 20,000 sq ft; scaled limits apply to smaller residential lots; no hen limits apply in agricultural zones | Roosters: Allowed on lots measuring 1 acre or more (subject to noise nuisance constraints) | Permit: Not required for standard domestic agricultural layouts | Setback: Enclosures and coops must be situated at least 50ft away from any neighboring dwelling or school building | Section: Ordinance No. 348 | Source: rivco.org

Sacramento County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Antelope, Carmichael, Citrus Heights, Courtland, Elk Grove, Elverta, Fair Oaks, Folsom, Galt, Herald, Isleton, Mather, North Highlands, Orangevale, Rancho Cordova, Rio Linda, Sacramento, Sloughhouse, Walnut Grove, Wilton.

Citrus Heights, CA

Elk Grove, CA

Folsom, CA

Galt, CA

Isleton, CA

Rancho Cordova, CA

Sacramento, CA

Unincorporated: Antelope, Carmichael, Courtland, Elverta, Fair Oaks, Herald, Mather, North Highlands, Orangevale, Rio Linda, Sloughhouse, Walnut Grove, Wilton.

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens on lots under 10,000 sq ft; no hen limits apply in agricultural zones | Roosters: Allowed on lots 1 acre or larger | Permit: Not required | Setback: 20ft from property line | Section: § 6.04.030 | Source: saccounty.gov

San Benito County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Hollister, Paicines, San Juan Bautista, Tres Pinos.

Hollister, CA

San Juan Bautista, CA

Unincorporated: Paicines, Tres Pinos.

San Bernardino County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Adelanto, Apple Valley, Barstow, Bloomington, Chino, Chino Hills, Colton, Fontana, Hesperia, Highland, Loma Linda, Montclair, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Rialto, San Bernardino, Upland, Victorville, Yucaipa.

Chino, CA

Chino Hills, CA

Fontana, CA

Ontario, CA

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Redlands, CA

San Bernardino, CA

Upland, CA

Unincorporated: Adelanto, Apple Valley, Barstow, Bloomington, Colton, Hesperia, Highland, Loma Linda, Montclair, Rialto, Victorville, Yucaipa.

San Diego County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Carlsbad, Chula Vista, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido, Fallbrook, La Jolla, La Mesa, Lakeside, National City, Oceanside, Poway, Ramona, San Diego, San Marcos, San Ysidro, Santee, Spring Valley, Vista.

Carlsbad, CA

Chula Vista, CA

El Cajon, CA

Encinitas, CA

Escondido, CA

La Mesa, CA

Oceanside, CA

Poway, CA

San Diego, CA

San Marcos, CA

Santee, CA

Vista, CA

Unincorporated: Fallbrook, La Jolla, Lakeside, National City, Ramona, San Ysidro, Spring Valley.

San Francisco, CA

San Joaquin County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Acampo, Clements, Escalon, Farmington, French Camp, Holt, Lathrop, Linden, Lockeford, Lodi, Manteca, Ripon, Stockton, Thornton, Tracy, Victor, Woodbridge.

Lodi, CA

Manteca, CA

Ripon, CA

Stockton, CA

Tracy, CA

Unincorporated: Acampo, Clements, Escalon, Farmington, French Camp, Holt, Lathrop, Linden, Lockeford, Thornton, Victor, Woodbridge.

San Luis Obispo County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Avila Beach, Cambria, Cayucos, Creston, Grover Beach, Harmony, Los Osos, Morro Bay, Nipomo, Oceano, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo, San Miguel, San Simeon, Santa Margarita, Shandon, Templeton.

Arroyo Grande, CA

Atascadero, CA

Grover Beach, CA

Morro Bay, CA

Paso Robles, CA

Pismo Beach, CA

San Luis Obispo, CA

Unincorporated: Avila Beach, Cambria, Cayucos, Creston, Harmony, Los Osos, Nipomo, Oceano, San Miguel, San Simeon, Santa Margarita, Shandon, Templeton.

San Mateo County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Atherton, Belmont, Brisbane, Burlingame, Daly City, El Granada, Half Moon Bay, Menlo Park, Millbrae, Montara, Moss Beach, Pacifica, Palo Alto, Pescadero, Portola Valley, Redwood City, San Bruno, San Carlos, San Mateo, South San Francisco.

Belmont, CA

Half Moon Bay, CA

Menlo Park, CA

Redwood City, CA

San Mateo, CA

Unincorporated: Atherton, Brisbane, Burlingame, Daly City, El Granada, Millbrae, Montara, Moss Beach, Pacifica, Palo Alto, Pescadero, Portola Valley, San Bruno, San Carlos, South San Francisco.

Santa Barbara County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Buellton, Carpinteria, Casmalia, Goleta, Guadalupe, Lompoc, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, New Cuyama, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Santa Ynez, Solvang, Summerland.

Buellton, CA

Carpinteria, CA

Santa Barbara, CA

Santa Maria, CA

Unincorporated: Casmalia, Goleta, Guadalupe, Lompoc, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, New Cuyama, Santa Ynez, Solvang, Summerland.

Hen Limit: No limit | Roosters: Allowed with parcel size restrictions (0 roosters on <1 acre in non-ag zones; 1–5 roosters on >1 acre) | Permit: Required for rooster keeping operations >1 acre | Setback: 30ft from property line | Section: Title 7 / Rooster Ordinance | Source: countyofsb.org

Santa Clara County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Alviso, Campbell, Coyote, Cupertino, Gilroy, Holy City, Los Altos, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Morgan Hill, Mount Hamilton, Mountain View, New Almaden, Redwood Estates, San Jose, San Martin, Santa Clara, Saratoga, Stanford, Sunnyvale.

Cupertino, CA

Gilroy, CA

Milpitas, CA

Mountain View, CA

San Jose, CA

Santa Clara, CA

Unincorporated: Alviso, Campbell, Coyote, Holy City, Los Altos, Los Gatos, Morgan Hill, Mount Hamilton, New Almaden, Redwood Estates, San Martin, Saratoga, Stanford, Sunnyvale.

Hen Limit: No limit in agricultural zones; zoning-dependent in residential | Roosters: Allowed on larger parcels (per animal unit table) | Permit: Not required for residential hobby flocks | Setback: 30ft from property line | Section: Title 4 / Animal Control | Source: sccgov.org

Santa Cruz County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Aptos, Ben Lomond, Boulder Creek, Brookdale, Capitola, Davenport, Felton, Freedom, Mount Hermon, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, Soquel, Watsonville.

Capitola, CA

Santa Cruz, CA

Scotts Valley, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 25 hens (District-dependent) | Roosters: Allowed in select rural districts only | Permit: Not required | Setback: Contact Planning Dept for district-specific setbacks | Section: Animal Regulations | Source: scottsvalley.gov

Watsonville, CA

Unincorporated: Aptos, Ben Lomond, Boulder Creek, Brookdale, Davenport, Felton, Freedom, Mount Hermon, Soquel.

Hen Limit: 10 small farm animals on 20,000+ sq ft; density-based (2 per 1,000 sq ft) for smaller lots | Roosters: Allowed on lots 1 acre or larger | Permit: Admin Use Permit required for 7+ birds | Setback: 20ft from property line; 40ft from neighbors' dwellings | Section: § 13.10.645 | Source: santacruzcounty.us

Shasta County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Anderson, Bella Vista, Burney, Cassel, Fall River Mills, French Gulch, Hat Creek, Igo, Lakehead, Mcarthur, Millville, Montgomery Creek, Oak Run, Palo Cedro, Redding, Round Mountain, Shasta, Shasta Lake, Shingletown, Whitmore.

Redding, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 20 hens on 20,000+ sq ft lots; smaller lots subject to density regulations | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 40ft from dwelling; 15ft from side/rear property lines | Section: § 18.43.040 | Source: cityofredding.org

Unincorporated: Anderson, Bella Vista, Burney, Cassel, Fall River Mills, French Gulch, Hat Creek, Igo, Lakehead, Mcarthur, Millville, Montgomery Creek, Oak Run, Palo Cedro, Round Mountain, Shasta, Shasta Lake, Shingletown, Whitmore.

Sierra County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Alleghany, Calpine, Downieville, Goodyears Bar, Loyalton, Sierra City, Sierraville.

Loyalton, CA

Unincorporated: Alleghany, Calpine, Downieville, Goodyears Bar, Sierra City, Sierraville.

Siskiyou County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Callahan, Dorris, Dunsmuir, Etna, Fort Jones, Gazelle, Greenview, Grenada, Happy Camp, Hornbrook, Klamath River, Macdoel, Mccloud, Montague, Mount Shasta, Seiad Valley, Somes Bar, Tulelake, Weed, Yreka.

Yreka, CA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 5ft from rear property line; 10ft from side property line; 20ft from front property line; must not be closer to a neighbor's dwelling than the owner's | Section: § 16.18.050 | Source: yrekaca.gov

Unincorporated: Callahan, Dorris, Dunsmuir, Etna, Fort Jones, Gazelle, Greenview, Grenada, Happy Camp, Hornbrook, Klamath River, Macdoel, Mccloud, Montague, Mount Shasta, Seiad Valley, Somes Bar, Tulelake, Weed.

Solano County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Benicia, Birds Landing, Dixon, Elmira, Fairfield, Rio Vista, Suisun City, Travis AFB, Vacaville, Vallejo.

Benicia, CA

Dixon, CA

Fairfield, CA

Rio Vista, CA

Suisun City, CA

Vacaville, CA

Vallejo, CA

Unincorporated: Birds Landing, Elmira, Travis AFB.

Sonoma County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Bodega Bay, Boyes Hot Springs, Cazadero, Cloverdale, Cotati, Forestville, Geyserville, Glen Ellen, Graton, Guerneville, Healdsburg, Kenwood, Occidental, Penngrove, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Sonoma, Windsor.

Healdsburg, CA

Petaluma, CA

Santa Rosa, CA

Windsor, CA

Unincorporated: Bodega Bay, Boyes Hot Springs, Cazadero, Cloverdale, Cotati, Forestville, Geyserville, Glen Ellen, Graton, Guerneville, Kenwood, Occidental, Penngrove, Rohnert Park, Sebastopol, Sonoma.

Hen Limit: No limit specified for large parcels; density-based for smaller lots | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required for hobby flocks | Setback: Nuisance-based standards apply | Section: Sec. 26-18-080 | Source: sonomacounty.ca.gov

Stanislaus County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Ceres, Crows Landing, Denair, Empire, Hickman, Hughson, Keyes, Modesto, Newman, Oakdale, Patterson, Riverbank, Salida, Turlock, Vernalis, Waterford, Westley.

Ceres, CA

Modesto, CA

Patterson, CA

Turlock, CA

Unincorporated: Crows Landing, Denair, Empire, Hickman, Hughson, Keyes, Newman, Oakdale, Riverbank, Salida, Vernalis, Waterford, Westley.

Hen Limit: Up to 24 fowl (in specific residential districts) | Roosters: Allowed only on A-2 (General Agriculture) zoned parcels | Permit: Not required for hobby flocks | Setback: 50ft from front property line; 15ft from side/rear | Section: Title 7 / Animal Services | Source: stancounty.com

Sutter County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Live Oak, Meridian, Nicolaus, Pleasant Grove, Rio Oso, Robbins, Sutter, Yuba City.

Yuba City, CA

Unincorporated: Live Oak, Meridian, Nicolaus, Pleasant Grove, Rio Oso, Robbins, Sutter.

Tehama County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Corning, Cottonwood, Flournoy, Gerber, Los Molinos, Manton, Mill Creek, Mineral, Paskenta, Paynes Creek, Proberta, Red Bluff, Tehama, Vina.

Corning, CA

Red Bluff, CA

Unincorporated: Cottonwood, Flournoy, Gerber, Los Molinos, Manton, Mill Creek, Mineral, Paskenta, Paynes Creek, Proberta, Tehama, Vina.

Trinity County, California Chicken Laws

Unincorporated Cities & Towns: Big Bar, Burnt Ranch, Douglas City, Hayfork, Hyampom, Junction City, Lewiston, Mad River, Platina, Salyer, Trinity Center, Weaverville, Zenia.

Hen Limit: Up to 25 chickens per 20,000 sq ft of parcel area | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required (unless exceeding density limits or for commercial poultry farms) | Setback: 20ft front; 6ft side; 20ft rear (10ft rear if 1,500 sq ft is maintained behind the main building) | Section: Zoning Ordinance § 17.30.010 | Source: trinitycounty.org

Tulare County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Cutler, Dinuba, Earlimart, Exeter, Farmersville, Ivanhoe, Lindsay, Orosi, Pixley, Porterville, Richgrove, Springville, Strathmore, Sultana, Terra Bella, Three Rivers, Tipton, Tulare, Visalia, Woodlake.

Dinuba, CA

Porterville, CA

Tulare, CA

Visalia, CA

Unincorporated: Cutler, Earlimart, Exeter, Farmersville, Ivanhoe, Lindsay, Orosi, Pixley, Richgrove, Springville, Strathmore, Sultana, Terra Bella, Three Rivers, Tipton, Woodlake.

Tuolumne County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Big Oak Flat, Chinese Camp, Columbia, Groveland, Jamestown, La Grange, Long Barn, Mi Wuk Village, Moccasin, Pinecrest, Sonora, Soulsbyville, Standard, Strawberry, Tuolumne, Twain Harte.

Tuolumne County (R-1 Residential Zones)

Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens (<0.5 acre); up to 8 hens (0.5–1.0 acre); up to 12 hens (1.0+ acre) | Roosters: Prohibited | Permit: Not required for R-1 accessory use | Setback: Must be outside required building setbacks; must be kept in fully enclosed, roofed coops | Section: § 17.42.040 | Source: tuolumnecounty.ca.gov

Sonora, CA

Hen Limit: Subject to general nuisance ordinances | Roosters: Prohibited if deemed a nuisance | Permit: Not required | Setback: Maintained to avoid noise or odor impact on neighboring properties | Section: Municipal Code / Animal Control | Source: sonoraca.com

Unincorporated: Big Oak Flat, Chinese Camp, Columbia, Groveland, Jamestown, La Grange, Long Barn, Mi Wuk Village, Moccasin, Pinecrest, Soulsbyville, Standard, Strawberry, Tuolumne, Twain Harte.

Hen Limit: Varies by zoning district (Agricultural districts allow broader keeping; residential districts follow R-1 density rules) | Roosters: Allowed in Agricultural (A or AE) zones; prohibited in residential districts | Permit: Required for keeping agricultural animals in non-agricultural zones | Setback: Sanitary standards apply; must not pose a public health threat or nuisance | Section: § 17.42.020 | Source: tuolumnecounty.ca.gov

Ventura County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Brandeis, Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Newbury Park, Oak Park, Oak View, Ojai, Oxnard, Piru, Point Mugu Nawc, Port Hueneme, Port Hueneme Cbc Base, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Somis, Thousand Oaks, Ventura, Westlake Village.

Camarillo, CA

Moorpark, CA

Ojai, CA

Oxnard, CA

Simi Valley, CA

Thousand Oaks, CA

Ventura, CA

Unincorporated: Brandeis, Fillmore, Newbury Park, Oak Park, Oak View, Piru, Point Mugu Nawc, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula, Somis, Westlake Village.

Hen Limit: No limit for hobby flocks; must be accessory to the residential use | Roosters: Allowed (except in specific high-density zones) | Permit: Not required for hobby keeping | Setback: 30ft from dwelling on adjacent property | Section: NCZO Article 4 | Source: ventura.org

Yolo County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Brooks, Capay, Clarksburg, Davis, Dunnigan, Esparto, Guinda, Knights Landing, Madison, Rumsey, West Sacramento, Winters, Woodland, Yolo, Zamora.

Davis, CA

Woodland, CA

Unincorporated: Brooks, Capay, Clarksburg, Dunnigan, Esparto, Guinda, Knights Landing, Madison, Rumsey, West Sacramento, Winters, Yolo, Zamora.

Hen Limit: No specific limit for hobby/personal use | Roosters: Allowed on larger parcels (zoning-dependent) | Permit: Not required for residential hobby flocks | Setback: Nuisance-based standards apply (must be kept in a clean and sanitary manner) | Section: Title 6 / Zoning | Source: yolocounty.org

Yuba County, California Chicken Laws

Cities & Towns: Beale AFB, Browns Valley, Brownsville, Camptonville, Challenge, Dobbins, Marysville, Olivehurst, Oregon House, Rackerby, Wheatland.

Marysville, CA

Wheatland, CA

Hen Limit: Density-based: 4 to 12 hens depending on residential zoning (R-1 through R-5) | Roosters: Prohibited in residential zones | Permit: Not required | Setback: 30ft from dwellings; 20ft from property lines | Section: § 18.60.060 | Source: townwheatland.com

Unincorporated: Beale AFB, Browns Valley, Brownsville, Camptonville, Challenge, Dobbins, Olivehurst, Oregon House, Rackerby.

Hen Limit: No specific limit provided for hobby flocks on rural residential parcels; zoning-dependent | Roosters: Allowed on parcels zoned for agricultural use | Permit: Consult Yuba County Planning Department for site-specific requirements | Setback: Must be maintained to avoid public nuisance | Section: Development Code 11.32.050 | Source: yuba.gov

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.

Essential Guides for Backyard Chicken Success

Upon approval by your local jurisdiction—and especially in densely populated California cities where backyard space is limited—use these compact 4x12 chicken coop designs to maximize your available footprint. For long-term flock health and coop upkeep, view our Ultimate Backyard Chicken Coop Management Guide.

How do I raise backyard chickens successfully?

Ready to build your coop? Follow our Step-by-Step DIY Chicken Coop Guide and construct a sturdy, well‑ventilated coop designed to handle California’s intense summer heat, wildfire smoke, coastal humidity, and year‑round predator activity.

Already have chickens? Set your flock up for long-term success in the Golden State. From selecting heat‑tolerant breeds that thrive in California’s hot, dry climate to managing dust, drought conditions, and predators such as raccoons, coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, and hawks, our guides help you maintain a productive, neighborhood‑friendly flock.

Complete Resource: View Our Ultimate Backyard Chicken Management Guide

Disclaimer: This is not official legal advice. Information is for general reference only, based on public sources at time of publication. Local laws, zoning, and HOA rules change frequently. Always verify directly with your city, county, planning department, animal control, or HOA for your local city. See our full Disclaimer & Legal Notice.