Can I Have Chickens In My Backyard in California?

California’s sunny skies make it the ideal place for a beautiful flock of backyard chickens. The good news? Raising chickens in your backyard is legal in most parts of the Golden State! That said, many areas have specific rules you’ll need to follow, like setbacks, limits on the number of chickens, zoning restrictions, and coop requirements.

But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! You won’t have to hunt down these regulations on your own. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the backyard chicken-keeping requirements for every county, along with several cities and towns across California. Let’s dive in!

Is it Legal to Have Chickens in Your Backyard in California?

Yes, for the most part is. However, California is a large state, and backyard chicken-keeping regulations vary from county to city to town. So, in some cases, backyard chickens are not permitted. Keep reading this article to find out if your county, city, or town permits them. If you don’t see them here, be sure to check with your local planning or zoning department to find out what they allow. 

Do You Need A Permit for Chickens in California?

Permitting requirements vary from city to town to county throughout the state. Some have strict requirements that mean you’ll need a permit or multiple permits. Others have no requirements at all, meaning that no permit is required. As always, check with your local officials first before proceeding to keep chickens on your property without a permit. Permits signal to government officials that you are adhering to all legal requirements and preventing any fines, complaints, or other legal issues. 

How Many Chickens Can I Have in California?

This can vary by city, town, and county as well. As you continue reading to find your local requirements, you’ll see that numbers can vary from anywhere between 2 to 100. A huge deciding factor for how many chickens you can have is property size. The larger the property, the more chickens you can have. 

Laws for Keeping Backyard Chickens in California By County

Below is a list of the 58 counties in California and their backyard chicken-keeping requirements. Feel free to click on your county in the chart below to skip to the regulations specific to your area!

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Alameda County, California?

Yes, you can keep chickens in your backyard in Alameda County, even if you have a residentially zoned property, so long as you adhere to the following requirements:

• Chickens must be kept in an enclosed structure such as a pen or a coop.
• The enclosure must be in the rear yard and at least 40 feet from the lot lines.
• If the enclosure is 75 feet from the front lot line, it doesn’t need to be placed in the rear yard.
• The enclosure should be at least 40 feet from any dwelling on an adjacent lot
• All chicken feed must be kept in vermin-resistant containers
• The area under any roost must be cleaned daily and manure must be stored in flytight containers with disposal at an approved dump at least once per week.
• Roosters are strictly prohibited

It is unclear if you need a permit or how many chickens are permitted. You can contact the Alameda County Planning Division to find out more about their backyard chicken-keeping requirements. 

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Alpine County, California?

It is unclear if backyard chickens are permitted on residentially zoned properties in Alpine County as they make no mention of this under their animal control or zoning regulations. To determine if chickens are permitted in your backyard in Alpine County, contact the Community Development Department. It’s important to note that some counties may not regulate this and rather leave it up to the localities within their jurisdiction. Be sure to check with your city or town government to determine if they have any requirements as well.

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Amador County, California?

Amador County allows chickens to be kept in R1-A (single-family residential) districts. However, the zoning ordinance granting this permission does not provide details about permits, the number of chickens allowed, or setback requirements. The county Planning Department or Animal Control Department can likely provide you with more information on their backyard chicken-keeping requirements. 

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Butte County, California?

Backyard chickens are allowed in Butte County. While there don’t seem to be specific requirements for keeping them, the county states that chickens must not run at large. This means they must be kept within a proper enclosure on your property. For exact requirements or information about permits, contact the Butte County Animal Control Department.

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Calaveras County, California?

Yes, you can have chickens in Calaveras County on an RR-zoned property. Properties with this zoning classification are permitted to have backyard chickens for personal ranches. The exact requirements for keeping them are unclear. Please contact Calaveras County Animal Services to learn more. 

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Colusa County, California?

Yes, it appears that chickens are permitted so long as they are not permitted to run at large, to prove to be a nuisance, or you don’t receive a complaint from neighbors within 200 square feet of your property. However, how many chickens you can have, setback, and coop or enclosure requirements are unclear. Colusa County’s Community Development Department can provide more clarity on the rules you need to follow to keep backyard chickens.

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Contra Costa County, California?

Yes, under the Urban Farm Animals Ordinance, backyard chickens are permitted in unincorporated areas. Under the ordinance, you can have one hen on a property that’s 1,000 square feet and an additional hen for each additional 1,000 square feet, with a maximum of 20 hens. The maximum height of a chicken coop is 12 feet. 

Setback requirements vary depending on property size, here is what your requirements are based on average lot width:

This may not be the case depending on what city or town you live in as your local planning, zoning, or animal control department may set different regulations for keeping backyard chickens. Be sure to check with them before keeping chickens in your backyard.

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Del Norte County, California?

Yes, most residentially zoned areas within the county also include zoning provisions for keeping livestock. The exact number of chickens you keep will depend on which residential zone you reside in and the size of your property. For specific information regarding what your property is zoned as and how many chickens you can keep, contact the Del Norte County Zoning, General Planning, and Development Standards Department. 

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in El Dorado County, California?

Rules for backyard chickens vary throughout the county. Unincorporated areas fully permit them and have no restrictions in place. Cameron Park, El Dordao Hills, and the city of Placerville all prohibit them, except in some unique cases. For example, Placerville only permits backyard chickens in areas that are RE (residential estate) zoned. To get in contact with the proper officials, contact their number in the chart below:

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Fresno County, California?

The answer to this question depends largely on where you reside within Fresno County. The city of Fresno does not permit chickens to be kept in residential zones. However, unincorporated areas appear to be able to raise poultry in R-A^3 and R-R zones with the proper permit. For clarification on the rules or requirements fo keeping backyard chickens in you area in Fresno County, contact the zoning section at 559-600-4540.

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Glenn County, California?

It is unclear exactly what is permitted in Glenn County. It appears as though backyard chickens may be permitted, as chickens are classified as domestic fowls, which could indicate that they are allowed on residentially zoned properties. To find out what they allow, contact Glenn County Planning & Community Development Services at 530-934-6540.

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Humboldt County, California?

You are allowed to keep up to 10 chickens on properties that are at least 5,000 square feet, but roosters are strictly prohibited. For properties larger than 5,000 square feet, you can have one additional chicken for every extra 500 square feet. Your coop must be at least 50 feet from any dwelling or front lot line and 20 feet from any side or rear lot line. For more questions regarding keeping backyard chickens in Humboldt County, such as if you need a permit, contact their Planning & Building Department. 

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Imperial County, California?

In Imperial County, chickens can be kept on R-1 zoned lots under the following conditions:

• They are kept for domestic or hobby purposes only.
• They are housed in proper enclosures or containment structures.
• They are not allowed to roam off the property.
• The total number of chickens does not exceed 5.

However, the rules for keeping backyard chickens may differ in the city of Imperial and other local jurisdictions. It’s important to check with your city or town government to confirm whether your plans for keeping backyard chickens are allowed.

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Inyo County, California?

Yes, Inyo County permits chickens to be raised in certain residentially zoned areas. However, these rules only apply to unincorporated areas. Be sure to check with your city or town officials to determine what they allow. For unincorporated areas, chickens are permitted in Agricultural-Residential (AR) zoned areas, the specific number or setback requirements on these lots is unclear. For further information, you can contact Inyo County’s Animal Services.

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Kern County, California?

Yes, chickens are permitted in Residential-Suburban (RS) zoned properties. To keep chickens, your coop must be cleaned and kept sanitary, they must not be deemed a nuisance, and you must meet setback requirements. For details about setbacks, permits, and the number of chickens allowed, contact Kern County Animal Services. 

Keep in mind that backyard chicken-keeping rules may vary depending on your city or town. If your property falls under local jurisdiction, check with your city or town officials first.

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Kings County, California?

It is unclear as zoning ordinances are inaccessible, making it hard to determine if chickens are permitted on residential properties. Per their animal ordinances, it appears so long as they are on the owner’s property, not running at large, and not too noisy or a nuisance, they may be permitted. The Kings County Planning Division can tell you if chickens are permitted on residentially zoned properties. They can be reached at kcgc.planning@co.kings.ca.us or (559)- 852-2670.

Please note that the answer to this question may vary depending on which city or town you reside in. For example, the city of Hanford clearly outlines requirements for keeping backyard chickens, keep reading to find out the laws for backyard chickens in Hanford.

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Lake County, California?

Yes, keeping backyard chickens is permitted in parts of Lake County. For those in unincorporated areas, chickens are allowed in Rural Residential (RR) districts, which permit up to 24 chickens per 20,000 square feet. The same is permitted in Suburban Reserve (SR) districts. It appears as though chickens are not permitted on other residentially zoned lots. For further information, contact the Lake County Planning officials at 707-263-2221.

The answer can vary depending on where you live. For example, the city of Clearlake allows up to 50 chickens, based on your property size. Be sure to contact local zoning or animal services officials to find out what the requirements are in your area. 

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Lassen County, California?

Yes, Lassen County permits backyard chickens. Their exact requirements or zones where this is permitted are unclear. However, county officials have clearly stated that if you plan to sell your backyard chicken eggs, you must register with the California Department of Food & Agriculture. To determine the specific regulations you must follow, contact the Lassen County Planning & Building Services. Regulations and requirements for backyard chickens can always vary by city or town within the county. If you reside within their jurisdiction be sure to check with your local officials as well.

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Los Angeles County, California?

It is unclear what the regulations are for unincorporated areas in the county, but you can contact the Los Angeles County Planning Department at (213) 974-6411 to find out more. It appears that it may be left up to city or town officials within the county. So check with your local planning, zoning, community development, or animal services department.

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Madera County, California? 

Yes, Madera County authorizes raising backyard chickens on properties that are 1 acre or larger. You can keep up to 24 chickens per acre. The exact requirements for backyard chicken-keeping may depend on the city or town where you live, so be sure to check with those officials first. If you still have questions about the requirements to keep backyard chickens in Madera County, contact their Planning Division.

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Marin County, California?

Yes, you can keep chickens in your backyard in Marin County. They are allowed in the following zones: Residential-Single-Family Planned (RSP), Residential-Multiple Planned (RMP), Residential/Commercial Multiple Planned (RMPC), Residential-Agricultural (RA), Residential-Estate (RE), Residential-Restricted (RR), Single-Family Residential (R1), and Two-Family Residential (R2).

You are permitted to keep up to 12 chickens unless a use permit allows for more. In all residential districts, keeping small animals, including chickens, is considered an accessory use to the primary structure. 

If you have any questions or require a permit for keeping chickens, contact the Marin County Community Development Agency.

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Mariposa County, California?

Yes, you can keep chickens in your backyard, so long as they aren’t a nuisance. Otherwise, there is no limit on the number of chickens or any other set requirements. To find out if there are more specific requirements to follow, contact the Mariposa County Planning Department. It’s important to note that the cities of Mariposa, Coulterville, Wawona, and Fish Camp have all adopted specific plans for backyard chicken-keeping, so please check with those officials to determine what they allow.

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Mendocino County, California?

Yes, you can raise chickens in certain residential districts within the county. However, the number of chickens allowed, setback requirements, and other regulations depend on your specific zoning. For detailed information, contact the Mendocino County Planning Department or your local officials.

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Merced County, California?

Merced County does permit chickens in residentially zoned areas. However, they don’t provide very much specific information on their requirements. This may largely be left up to the cities and towns within the county to decide. The county code does note that chicken coops on residentially zoned property must meet residential zone setback requirements. If you have any questions about rules regarding chickens in your backyard, contact the Merced County Community Development Department or your local zoning officials. 

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Modoc County, California?

Yes, as long as you meet the following requirements, you are permitted to keep backyard chickens:

• 5,000 square feet of property is required to keep one chicken
• For 5,000 square feet or more, up to 5 chickens are permitted
• One chicken is permitted per each additional 500 square feet past 5,000
• Only one brood is permitted per adult chicken on the property
• The coop must be located at least 100 feet from any well
• They must not become a nuisance

If you have any more questions about keeping backyard chickens in Modoc County, please contact their Planning Department. 

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Mono County, California?

Yes, backyard chickens are permitted in Mono County. You can have up to 4 chickens as pets, excluding roosters, so long as they are contained in a coop. For more information check out the Mono County animal standards or contact the Community Development Department.

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Monterey County, California?

Yes, you can have chickens in your backyard in Monterey County, but the exact requirements for keeping them will depend on the city or town in which you reside. Marina permits up to 4 hens for egg production only, Seaside and Pacific Grove also allow up to 4 hens with a permit, and Carmel Valley has no restrictions on hens, but requires permits for more than five roosters. If you have any additional questions, it’s best to contact your local officials. 

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Napa County, California?

Yes! Again, it just largely depends on where you reside within the county as it is left up to city or town government officials. The city of Napa permits up to 6 hens, while other cities permit them and don’t specify how many. American Canyon permits you to keep animals commonly sold in pet stores, which typically doesn’t include chickens. 

To determine what is permitted for your property, visit your local planning, zoning, or community development department. These departments provide resources to identify your property’s zoning designation. From there, local officials or the zoning ordinance will clarify whether backyard chickens are allowed in your area.

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Nevada County, California?

Yes, chickens are permitted on properties zoned for single-family homes that have a fenced-in yard. You can keep between 4 to 12 chickens depending on the parcel size of your R1 or RA-zoned lot. Chicken coops must be predator-proof and located in the rear of the property. It must also be 10 feet from the property line and 30 feet from any adjacent residence. If you have any questions regarding these requirements, please contact the Nevada County Planning Department. 

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Orange County, California?

Whether backyard chickens are allowed is up to the city and town governments within Orange County, meaning it can vary from place to place. Here’s a general guide to where it’s permitted and where it is not:

• Anaheim permits one hen per 1800 square feet.
• Garden Grove allows hens inside a closure that is at least 25 feet away from a single-family home.
• Irvine strictly prohibits them.
• Laguna Beach allows them so long as they are kept inside a coop.
• Newport Beach allows two hens and an unlimited number of chickens for a 15,000-square-foot lot.
• Orange only allows 5 hens. 

To find out whether your city or town in Orange County allows them, read this useful article detailing the general requirements for chickens in Orange County cities. 

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Placer County, California?

Yes, you can have backyard chickens in Placer County as long as you adhere to the following regulations:

• You keep no more than 6 chickens in a Residential Single-Family (RS), Residential Multi-Family (RM), or Resort (RES) zone district. 
• To keep 6 chickens you must have a gross lot area of at least 5,000 square feet. 
• Keeping Roosters is strictly prohibited.

If you have any questions about these requirements or anything not covered here, please contact Placer County Planning Services. 

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Plumas County, California?

Yes, provided that:

• They are within  R-10, R-20, 2-R, 3-R, or 7-R zoned properties.
• Only up to 6 chickens are kept in single-family residential zones (2-R, 3-R, and 7-R).
• Chickens must be provided with a coop with an attached run.
• The chicken coop is predator-resistant from the side, tops, and bottom and so is the run. 
• The coop must be setback 25’ from property lines in the front yard. 
• The coop must be setback 20’ from the property lines when in the side or rear yard.
• The chicken coop should be no taller than 7 feet.
• Commercial chicken-keeping process such as selling chicken eggs, slaughtering chickens, or keeping roosters is strictly prohibited. 

If you have additional questions about these requirements, the Plumas County Planning Department can be reached at (530) 283-7011.

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Riverside County, California?

Yes, but this depends on how your property is zoned and how large it is. Currently, backyard chickens are permitted in R-R, R-1, R-1A, R-A, R-2, R-2A, R3, and R-T-R zones, which is nearly every residential zone. The exact number of chickens and setback requirements vary by each. The Riverside County Planning Department has answered the question of how many chickens or roosters you can have on your property, outlining specific requirements for keeping chickens in the county more in-depth. Visit their website to find out more about the requirements for backyard chickens on your property. 

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Sacramento County, California?

If keeping backyard chickens for personal use, it is largely permitted in all zones, provided that you meet certain requirements. Roosters are permitted in all zoning districts except RD-10 through RD-40, RM-2, O, Mixed Use, and M-2. In order to keep them, you must have a lot size of 10,000 square feet. You can keep an unregulated number of chickens on lots larger than 10,000 square feet. If your property is less than 10,000 square feet, and you reside on a residentially zoned property, you must adhere to the following requirements:

• You may have one chicken per 1,000 square feet of parcel area or one for every 200 square feet of rear yard area, whichever is less.
• They are kept in rear yards only.
• A cover coop with a roof and four sides must be provided.
• The coop must be setback at least 20 feet from all neighboring dwellings.
• 10 square feet of space must be provided for each chicken. 

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in San Benito County, California?

Yes, in fact, there appears to be no restrictions on the number of chickens you can keep. All that seems to be required is that you don’t allow them to disturb the peace and your coop must be regularly cleaned/maintained, free of rodents and vermin, and not accumulating a foul odor. If you have any questions or would like further information on the requirements for keeping backyard chickens, please contact the San Benito County Building & Code Enforcement Division. 

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in San Bernadino County, California?

Yes, San Bernadino County also permits backyard chickens. To keep them, you must reside on single residential (RS) or rural living (RL) zoned property. Additionally, depending on the following property sizes, you can only keep a certain number of chickens. The following list will cover female chickens only, if you’re curious about how many roosters you can have on your property, San Bernadino Land Use Services covers this on their website. 

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in San Diego County, California?

San Diego County allows backyard chickens, but the specific zones where they are permitted can vary. The zone designation (e.g., residential, commercial) and the animal designator (e.g., A-X) don’t always align. For example, some single-family residential properties may have an animal designator of “A,” while others may have “X.”

These regulations apply only to unincorporated areas. If you reside within a city or town’s jurisdiction, check with your local officials first. If you are in an unincorporated area, reach out to the San Diego Planning & Development Services to find out what animal designator your property has and how many chickens you can keep on your property. 

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in San Francisco County, California?

San Francisco County is unique because it consists entirely of the city of San Francisco. Backyard chickens are strictly prohibited within the city, likely due to the limited yard space on most residential properties, making chicken keeping impractical. If you’d like to advocate for a change, contact the San Francisco Planning Department.

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in San Joaquin County, California?

Yes, you can keep backyard chickens in San Joaquin County as long as you follow the regulations regarding coop placement, the number of chickens, and other requirements:

1. Number of Chickens:
   • Properties with 3 acres or more can have up to 35 chickens.
   • Properties smaller than 1/3 acre are not allowed to keep chickens.
   • Properties between ½ acre and less than 1½ acres can keep up to 15 chickens, with a limit of one rooster.

2. Coop Requirements:
   • Coops must provide at least 4 square feet per chicken.
   • They must be placed in the rear yard and located at least 25 feet from any nearby dwelling.

3. Noise and Smell:
   • Chickens must not create odors or noise significant enough to disturb neighbors. If complaints are made, an animal control officer may inspect the property.

If you have questions about these regulations or are unsure if you can keep chickens, contact the San Joaquin County Community Development Department for clarification.

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in San Luis Obispo County, California?

Yes, chickens can be kept in the backyard of a residentially zoned property, but there are a few requirements you should know. 

1. No roosters are permitted on single-family residential properties with less than two acres.
2. A permit is not required if you plan to keep less than 20 chickens.
3. No minimum square footage of property space is required to keep 20 chickens or fewer.

If you have any questions about these requirements or need additional information, please reach out to the San Luis Obispo Planning & Building Department at (805) 781-5600.

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in San Mateo County, California?

To keep chickens in your backyard in San Mateo County, your residentially zoned property must be at least 2,500 square feet. The number of chickens allowed depends on your property size:

• 2,500 to 7,500 square feet: Up to 6 chickens are permitted.
• 7,500 square feet or larger: Up to 10 chickens are allowed.

All chickens must be kept in the rear yard in a coop that is no larger than 100 square feet and no taller than 6 feet.

No specific setback requirements are mentioned. For detailed information on setbacks or other regulations, contact the San Mateo County Planning & Building Department.

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Santa Barbara County, California?

Yes! For those keeping two or fewer chickens, solely as pets and not for commercial purposes, there are no restrictions. If you plan to keep more than that, you must adhere to the following requirements:

1. You cannot keep more than 15 chickens on properties in any of these zones: R-4, R-3, R-2, R-1, E-3, E-2, R-MH, R-M, RS-7.5, RS-10.
2. No more than 30 chickens can be kept on properties with the zoning designation: E-1, A-2, A-1, RS-15, RS-25, or RS-1a.
3. They must be kept instead clean and sanitary coops that are placed in the rear yard only.
4. Coops must be at least 100 feet from any school, park, hospital, or similar building.
5. Coops must be at least 35 feet from any nearby dwelling unit. 

If you have any questions about this, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Santa Barbara County Planning & Development Department. 

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Santa Clara County, California?

Chickens can be kept in backyards in Santa Clara County without a permit, as long as you have no more than 12. However, the city of Santa Clara has its own regulations, so it’s important to check with local officials to understand the requirements for your area. If you live in an unincorporated area of the county, it may be possible to keep more than 12 chickens with a permit. For more information, contact the Santa Clara County Department of Planning & Development.

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Santa Cruz County, California?

Yes, so long as you have a minimum of 6,000 square feet of lot area and you live on a Residential Agricultural (RA), Rural Residential (RR), or Single-Family Residential (R-1) zoned property. The exact number you are permitted to keep isn’t clear but likely depends on property size and zoning designation. The same would apply to setback requirements. Please contact the Santa Cruz County Planning Department to find out what their requirements are. 

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Shasta County, California?

Chickens are classified as small livestock in Shasta County, so as long as they meet certain requirements, they are allowed. The number of chickens you can keep depends on your property size. For lots up to 10,890 square feet, you can have up to 6. For lots larger than one acre, you can have up to 25. Since the number varies, be sure to check with the Planning Division to find out exactly how many chickens you can keep based on your property size as well as any setback requirements you must adhere to. 

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Sierra County, California?

Yes, backyard chickens are permitted to be kept in Rural Residential Zones 1.5, 2.5, and 10. The exact number you are permitted to keep and any permit or setback requirements are unclear. Please contact the Sierra County Planning Department to find out more. 

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Siskiyou County, California?

It is currently unclear if backyard chickens are permitted within the county. While their zoning code outlines different residential districts, it makes no mention of whether chickens are permitted in these zones or not. 

Since some cities and towns within the county have rules outlined for keeping backyard chickens, check with your local officials first to determine what they allow. If you reside in an unincorporated area and have any questions about county-widde requirements, please contact the Siskiyou County Planning Department at (530)-841-2100.

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Solano County, California?

In Solano County, backyard chickens are allowed in some areas. For example, cities like Dixon and Fairfield permit them, while the city of Vacaville does not. Since the decision is made by local governments, it’s essential to check with your city or town’s planning department to confirm whether backyard chickens are allowed on your property.

If you live in an unincorporated area and fall under Solano County Planning Services‘ jurisdiction, contact them directly to find out what is permitted in your area.

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Sonoma County, California?

Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Sonoma County, but your property must be properly zoned for it. Chickens can be kept in the following zones:

• Agricultural-Residential (AR) or Rural Residential (RR): On lots of at least 20,000 square feet, you can keep up to 50 chickens.
• Single-Family Residential (R1): You can keep up to 6 hens, as long as they are housed in a coop located in the rear yard, kept clean, and maintained in a sanitary condition.

If you’re unsure about your property’s zoning, how many chickens you can keep, or setback requirements, visit the Permit Sonoma website for more information.

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Stanislaus County, California?

Yes, you can keep less than 12 chickens in any district, regardless of zoning designation. If you plan to keep more than 12 chickens, you must reside in an A-2 (general agricultural) or R-A (rural residential) zoning district. Your chicken coop, or other structure for keeping your chickens, must be 50 feet from any public street and 40 feet from any neighboring property.

For more information or questions about backyard chicken keeping in Stanislaus County, contact the Planning & Community Development Department.

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Sutter County, California?

It seems likely that backyard chickens are permitted in a Ranchette (RAN) district, however, it is unclear by their code exactly how many chickens are permitted or if they are permitted elsewhere. For clarification on their backyard chicken laws, please contact the Sutter County Development Services Department. 

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Tehama County, California?

Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Tehama County. You can keep up to 12 chickens without a permit in most residential zones. If you wish to keep more than 12 chickens, you may need a permit.

There may also be additional requirements, such as setback rules and chicken enclosure standards, that you must follow. To learn more about these rules and ensure compliance, contact the Tehama County Planning Department at (530) 527-2200.

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Trinity County, California?

Yes, you can keep up to 6 chickens (hens only) in your rear yard, provided they are housed in a fully enclosed coop. The coop must meet the following requirements:

• Size: The coop itself can be up to 100 square feet, but any attached run or outdoor enclosure can be any size.
• Distance: The coop must be at least 20 feet from any nearby residence.

If you have questions about additional setback requirements, keeping more chickens, or the zoning districts where chickens are allowed, please reach out to the Trinity County Planning Division for more details.

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Tulare County, California?

It is unclear what the county permits. However, many cities within Tulare enforce their regulations. This means the answer to this question may be different depending on which city or town you live in. For example, Exeter permits chickens while the city of Tulare appears to prohibit them. Always check with your local zoning officials first to determine if chickens are allowed in your backyard before keeping them. If you have any questions about county-level requirements, contact Tulare County’s Planning & Building Department. 

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Tuolumne County, California?

Yes, chickens are permitted in the backyard of any single-family residential (R1) zoning district as an accessory use. However, there are several requirements you must follow to do so: 

• Chickens must be kept in clean & sanitary conditions.
• They should not be a nuisance to any neighboring properties.
• Chickens must be kept inside a fully enclosed coop.
• Chickens must be kept for personal use and not sold for meat or eggs.
• Roosters are strictly prohibited.
• The following number of chickens is permitted, depending on the size of your property:
  • <0.5 acres: 2
  • 0.5-1 acres: 4
  • 1.0 acres or more: 6
  • Chicks over these limits must be removed from your property within 21 days of hatching.

Setback requirements are not clearly outlined. If you have any questions about them or any of the rules outlined above, please contact the Tuolumne County Planning Department.

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Ventura County, California?

Yes, however, there are rules limiting where and how many chickens can be kept from both the county and cities within the county. At the county level, chickens are banned from R2 zones but are completely permitted in R1 zones, without lot size restrictions, provided they meet other requirements. The county requires that chickens kept in the backyard of an R1 property be 40 feet from any neighbor’s house and 35 feet from any dwelling unit or place of business. 

The number of chickens depends on the city you live in, but most areas within the county permit between 3-5. If you have any questions about the requirements specific to your area contact your local zoning official or the Ventura County’s Planning Division. 

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Yolo County, California?

Yes, Yolo County permits the keeping of large domestic animals, including chickens and roosters, on lots of ½ or more in residential zones RR-5, RR-2, and R-L. Chickens may be kept on properties less than 10,000 square feet in the R-L and R-M districts with special restrictions. In the RR-2 and RR-5 zones over 10,000 square feet, up to 7 chickens can be kept. If your property is less than 10,000 square feet, you can keep no more than 4 hens. They must be at least 25 feet away from any residence. 

If you have any questions about these requirements, please contact the Yolo County Planning Division. 

Can I Have Backyard Chickens in Yuba County, California?

Yes, Yuba County permits up to 20 chickens per acre in residential zoning districts RS, RM, RH, and RE within VGB. For properties less than ½ acre in Yuba City, you can keep up to 12 chickens. The exact number or setback requirements for keeping backyard chickens may vary by the city you live in. Please check with your local zoning officials first before going ahead with your backyard flock. 

Backyard Chicken Laws in California By City

Here are some of the backyard chicken laws in different cities in California. You can click on your city listed in the chart below to get taken directly to the requirements in your area!

Are Backyard Chickens Allowed in Anaheim, California?

Yes, Anaheim permits up to 1 hen per 1800 square feet of property space. A permit is not required to keep hens and they must be kept inside a coop that’s 50 feet from any human-inhabited structure or 20 feet from any property line. 

Are Backyard Chickens Allowed in Bakersfield, California?

Chickens are only permitted to be kept in the city of Bakersfield so long as they are kept inside an enclosed yard or pen in an agricultural or residential suburban zone.

Are Backyard Chickens Allowed in Fresno, California?

No, farm animals such as chickens are not permitted in residential zones within the city of Fresno. 

Are Backyard Chickens Allowed in Hanford, California?

Yes, backyard chickens are permitted in Hanford, provided that they meet the following requirements:

• They are provided with a chicken coop featuring four walls, a solid roof, adequate ventilation, roosts, feeders, and waterers.
• They must be at least 10 feet from any property line.
• They must be at least 5 feet from any dwelling.
• They must be located behind a solid fence or wall.
• Each chicken must be provided with a minimum of 4 square feet.
• Any person keeping backyard chickens must provide them with a run.
• Only a maximum of 3 chickens are permitted on residentially zoned lots.
• They are not kept in any front or side yard.

Are Backyard Chickens Allowed in Imperial, California?

Yes, you can keep backyard chickens in Imperial, however, there are certain requirements you must meet. These include maintaining a setback of 35 feet from any adjoining dwelling, keeping chickens in a proper enclosure such as a chicken coop with an attached run, regularly cleaning the coop, and removing excrement to prevent the build-up of flies and odor. Additionally, you can only keep a certain number of chickens depending on the size of your property. The number of chickens permitted in Imperial is as follows:

Are Backyard Chickens Allowed in Long Beach, California?

You can keep chickens in Long Beach, but you cannot keep more than 5 without first obtaining a permit from the Animal Care Service Bureau. The exact number you can keep will vary by property size, so be sure to confirm those details with the Animal Services Bureau once you reach out to them. 

Are Backyard Chickens Allowed in Los Angeles, California?

Yes, you can keep up to four chickens on your property in Los Angeles. However, your chicken coop must be located at least 35 feet away from neighboring homes.

To ensure your property is zoned for keeping backyard chickens or to get answers to any questions about chicken-keeping regulations, contact the Los Angeles Planning Department.

Are Backyard Chickens Allowed in Oakland, California?

You can keep chickens in your backyard, but not roosters. They must be kept in a coop and that coop must be more than 20 feet away from any dwelling. For more detailed information, contact the Oakland Planning & Building Department. 

Are Backyard Chickens Allowed in Sacramento, California?

Yes, with the proper permit, you can keep up to three chickens per residential parcel. The permit must be renewed annually. Chickens must be kept in a coop and the coop must be located at least 20 feet away from any nearby residence. 

Are Backyard Chickens Allowed in San Diego, California?

Yes, up to 15 chickens can be kept when the coop is 15 feet from any property line, and up to 24 can be kept when the chickens are located within 50 feet of any residence. You can visit the San Diego Chickens page to find out more about their requirements. 

Are Backyard Chickens Allowed in San José, California?

Yes, you can keep up to 6 small animals without needing a permit in the city limits. With a permit, you can keep up to 20. Roosters are strictly prohibited. Your hens must be kept in a chicken coop that is located in the property’s rear yard and is at least 20 feet from any neighboring residence. 

Other FAQs About Keeping Backyard Chickens in California

What is the new law for chickens in California?

The new law for chickens, which went into effect at the beginning of 2024, relates primarily to farmers and would affect those keeping chickens in agricultural zones and not residential zones. However, the Proposition 12 animal welfare law, requires farmers to provide egg-laying hens with more room and in cage-free systems. 

How do I know if I can have chickens on my property?

The best way to determine if you can have chickens on your property is to first check your property’s zoning designation. This can often be found in your county, city, or town or zoning ordinance or be provided to you by your local zoning officials. Once you know your property’s zoning designation and how much space you have on your land, you can then determine if you can keep chickens on your property. 

Can I sell backyard chicken eggs in California?

You can, but you must register as an egg handler with the California Department of Food & Agriculture. It’s important to note that some areas see this as commercial use, and therefore will not permit them on a property that is not commercially zoned. If your zoning officials permit the selling of eggs and you are properly registered, then it is fine!

Ready to Start Your Backyard Chicken-Keeping Journey?

As you’ve learned in this article, most counties and cities in California require that backyard chickens be kept in coops. The Hen House Collection offers a variety of sizes and styles of chicken coops with features such as predator-proof doors, ventilation systems, cleaning solutions, and more to ensure you comply with local regulations. Have unique requirements in your area? We can work with you directly to design a coop that meets all the rules in your area.

Is this your first venture into backyard chicken keeping? The Hen House Collection is dedicated to providing you with all the resources you need to get started. Check out our raising backyard chickens resources that cover everything from the top egg-laying chickens to how to choose the right size coop for your chickens.