Are Chickens Allowed in Los Angeles County?

BySusan Medlin

The rules for keeping backyard chickens in Los Angeles County vary depending on whether you are inside the City of Los Angeles, in another city within the county, or in an unincorporated area. In many cases hens (female chickens) are allowed, but there are restrictions (coops/setbacks/roosters), and sometimes it’s up to your local city or zoning district. Below is a detailed look at what is known, what to check, and what the limits usually are.

Key Rules in the City of Los Angeles

  • Chickens are permitted in many backyards, under certain conditions.
  • Coops must be at least 35 feet from neighboring residences.
  • Roosters are allowed, but with stricter setback rules: typically 100 feet from other dwellings or structures that aren’t on the same property. Only one rooster per household is allowed.
  • There’s a limit of one rooster per lot.

What About Unincorporated Areas of Los Angeles County & Other Cities Within the County?

If you live outside the City of Los Angeles or in one of the many municipalities inside LA County, the rules may be different. Here’s what to know:

  • Unincorporated areas don’t have a single blanket rule; the County’s Department of Regional Planning handles animal keeping and zoning. You’ll need to check your zoning district for “animal keeping” or “fowl / poultry” or “urban agriculture” uses.
  • In some cities within LA County, municipal codes explicitly allow chickens under certain accessory-use provisions or conditional use, sometimes with permits. Zoning and land use regulations are important.
  • Rooster rules are almost always stricter (if roosters are allowed at all) because of noise and nuisance considerations. Setbacks tend to be larger for roosters.

Common Restrictions & What to Check Locally

Even where chickens are allowed, here are restrictions you will commonly find. Always verify with your local city or county zoning / animal regulations:

  • Setbacks: Distance from neighbor residences, property lines, other structures—often dozens of feet. In Los Angeles city, 35 feet for chicken coop, 100 feet for roosters.
  • Rooster limits: Usually only one rooster allowed per property, if any; many areas ban them entirely.
  • Number of chickens: Some jurisdictions cap how many chickens you can have; others don’t specify. If specified, often tied to lot size.
  • Coop requirements: Coop must be enclosed, secure, well maintained, odor/nuisance control.
  • Zoning classification: Your property’s zoning (residential, agricultural, rural, etc.) will influence what is allowed. Sometimes accessory use, or conditional permit, is needed.
  • Local ordinances & city codes: Because Los Angeles County includes many cities (Long Beach, Pasadena, etc.), each city may have its own regulations that are stricter or more permissive than county code. You’ll have to check with your specific city.

What the County of Los Angeles Says in General

For unincorporated parts of Los Angeles County, the County’s Department of Regional Planning is the authority to check with. The County FAQ confirms that “pets” in the sense of small animals are not regulated directly under Public Works, but animal or poultry keeping rules are managed through planning or zoning.

Practical Example Scenarios

  • If you live inside Los Angeles city limits, in a typical residential single-family neighborhood: You’re probably allowed hens. You can keep a coop, but ensure the coop is at least 35 feet from neighboring houses, and if you want a rooster you’ll need to meet the 100-foot setback and limit of one rooster.
  • If you live in an unincorporated area with zoning that allows agricultural or hobby-farm uses: You may have more leeway with number of chickens, coop location, or even roosters, depending on zoning.
  • If you live in a city within LA County (not City of LA), e.g. Pasadena, Burbank, etc.: They may have their own rules—some allow chickens with permits or in certain zones. You’ll need to check that city’s municipal code.
  • If you live in a very small lot or dense area: The setback requirements may make it difficult to comply with regulations, especially for roosters or larger flocks.

Checklist Before You Get Chickens in LA County

  1. Find out if your property is inside a city or unincorporated LA County.
  2. Check your zoning designation; see if animal/fowl keeping is allowed.
  3. Look up your city or county code for “poultry,” “animal keeping,” “backyard chickens.”
  4. Measure possible coop location vs property lines & neighbor structures to ensure you meet setback distances.
  5. Check whether roosters are allowed, and whether permits are required.
  6. Ensure coop design, odor management, health/sanitation, predator protection. These are often required or will influence approval or neighbor complaints.

Conclusion

Yes — in many parts of Los Angeles County, chickens (especially hens) are allowed, but whether it’s legal for your specific property depends on a number of local factors: being inside the City of Los Angeles vs another city or unincorporated area, your lot’s zoning, setbacks, whether you want a rooster, and whether local ordinances allow it.

If you tell me what city or ZIP code you’re in (or whether you’re in the City of LA vs unincorporated LA County), I can look up the exact rules for your location and format them in HTML for you. Do you want me to do that?