Are Chickens Allowed in Sacramento County?
Yes — chickens are allowed in many parts of Sacramento County, but the exact rules depend on your property’s zoning, your lot size, and whether you live inside a city or in an unincorporated area of the county. Below is a full breakdown of what is and isn’t allowed, along with the most important things to keep in mind before building your coop.
Key Rules in Unincorporated Sacramento County
- Lot size requirement: A minimum of 10,000 square feet is typically required to keep chickens and roosters without special conditions.
- Zoning restrictions: Chickens for personal use are permitted in most zoning districts, but some zones restrict or prohibit roosters.
- Permitted zones: Agricultural and rural residential zones tend to be more permissive. Higher density residential zones may not allow poultry at all.
- Rear yard requirement: Chickens must usually be kept in the rear yard, not in front or side yards.
- Setbacks: Coops and enclosures often need to be at least 20 feet away from neighboring dwellings.
- Space per bird: Minimum space requirements exist for coops and outdoor foraging areas to prevent overcrowding.
What If Your Lot Is Smaller Than 10,000 Square Feet?
If your parcel is under 10,000 sq. ft., you may still be able to keep hens, but under stricter rules:
- Lower limits on the number of chickens allowed.
- Chickens must be confined to the rear yard only.
- Coops must be fully enclosed with a roof and four walls.
- Enclosures must be at least 20 feet from your neighbor’s dwelling.
- Each bird must have adequate outdoor foraging space.
Rules for Roosters
Roosters are more restricted than hens. In many zoning districts they are not permitted at all due to noise. Where they are allowed, it is usually only on larger lots (10,000 sq. ft. or more) and in specific zones. Always confirm with county zoning before keeping any crowing fowl.
Care and Maintenance Requirements
To stay compliant and keep your flock healthy, you must meet basic care and coop standards:
- Provide a secure coop with roof and walls.
- Keep the coop clean with dry bedding to control odor.
- Store feed in sealed containers to deter rodents.
- Provide fresh food and water daily.
- Ensure adequate ventilation and shade inside the coop.
- Keep chickens predator-safe with secure fencing and latches.
What If You Live Inside the City of Sacramento?
If your property is inside the City of Sacramento rather than unincorporated county land, you must follow city ordinances. The city has its own poultry license and permit requirements:
- No more than three hens per residential property.
- Roosters are not permitted under city law.
- Coops must be located in the rear yard and meet minimum setback distances from property lines and neighboring homes.
- A poultry license and coop permit are required.
- All coops must be kept clean and odor-free.
How to Check Your Property’s Rules
- Determine your jurisdiction: Check if your property is inside city limits or in unincorporated Sacramento County.
- Find your zoning: Look up your property’s zoning designation using county or city maps.
- Check restrictions: Contact planning or code enforcement to confirm the rules for chickens and roosters in your zone.
- Apply for permits if required: Some zones or cities require a poultry license or coop permit.
- Plan your coop: Design with setbacks, sanitation, and predator protection in mind.
Pros and Cons of Keeping Chickens in Sacramento County
- Pros:
- Fresh eggs for your household.
- Chickens eat food scraps and reduce waste.
- Manure can be composted into rich garden fertilizer.
- Chickens provide natural pest control.
- Fun, educational, and rewarding for families.
- Cons:
- Noise from roosters (and some hens) can bother neighbors.
- Poorly maintained coops can cause odor or attract flies.
- Coop setup and feed costs can add up.
- Zoning restrictions may prevent you from keeping as many birds as you’d like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep roosters in Sacramento County?
Only in certain zones and on larger lots (10,000 sq. ft. or more). Many zones prohibit roosters altogether to reduce noise complaints.
How many hens can I keep?
It depends on your zoning and lot size. City of Sacramento limits it to 3 hens, while county rules allow more on larger properties.
Do I need a permit?
In the City of Sacramento, yes — you need a poultry license and coop permit. In unincorporated county areas, permits are usually not required for hens, but they may be needed for roosters or larger flocks.
Where can I place my coop?
In most cases, only in the rear yard. Setback requirements typically require 20 feet or more between the coop and neighboring dwellings.
Can chickens be free-range in Sacramento County?
No. Chickens must be contained in a coop or fenced run to prevent them from roaming into neighboring yards.
Conclusion
Chickens are allowed in Sacramento County, but the rules depend on where you live and how much land you have. In unincorporated areas, larger lots allow more freedom, including the possibility of keeping roosters. Inside the City of Sacramento, you may only keep up to three hens, no roosters, and must obtain a poultry license and coop permit. Always check your zoning, follow setback rules, and keep your coop clean and secure. Done right, backyard chickens can provide fresh eggs, sustainable living, and a lot of joy for your family.
Special Resource for Chicken Owners
If you’re preparing to raise hens in Sacramento County, a great resource is Backyard Eggs: The #1 Guide in the US. It covers everything from coop design to daily care routines, including:
- Step-by-step coop building instructions
- Noise and odor control strategies
- Beginner-friendly care routines
- Feeding, health, and predator protection tips
Get Backyard Eggs Now and start raising healthy, happy chickens in Sacramento County