Chicken Laws by County in California
Backyard chickens are booming in California—from the suburbs of San Diego to the wine country of Napa Valley. But here’s the catch: California’s chicken laws vary widely from county to county and even from city to city.
Before you invest in a coop or pick up a peeping box of baby chicks, let’s make sure you’re on the right side of local law. This guide covers chicken laws by county in California so you can start your backyard flock legally and confidently.
Are Backyard Chickens Legal in California?
Yes, backyard chickens are legal in California, but each county, city, and neighborhood sets its own rules. California law doesn’t ban chickens outright—it’s all determined by local zoning ordinances.
That means your city might allow 10 hens while your neighbor two blocks over (in a different zone or HOA) might not be allowed any at all. And if you live in a rural area? You might have total freedom.
Key Factors That Affect Chicken Laws in California
These are the most common variables that local governments use to shape backyard chicken laws:
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Zoning (residential, rural, agricultural)
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Lot size and density
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Rooster restrictions
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Number of hens allowed
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Coop placement/setbacks
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Noise and nuisance rules
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HOA and neighborhood rules
Before we dive into each county, a smart first move is to calculate how much coop space your chickens need based on your expected flock size and property layout.
Chicken Laws by Major Counties in California
Let’s explore the chicken laws in California’s most populous and active chicken-keeping counties.
Los Angeles County (Including LA City)
Can you keep chickens in Los Angeles?
Yes, with restrictions.
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Up to 10 hens allowed on residential properties
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Roosters are banned in most residential areas
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Coops must be 35 feet from any neighboring dwelling
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Chickens must be contained at all times
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Permit not typically required for small flocks
In LA County’s unincorporated areas, the rules can vary—some allow more chickens or permit roosters with larger lot sizes.
San Diego County
Backyard chickens are allowed countywide, but cities have their own ordinances.
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City of San Diego allows:
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Up to 5 hens on lots under 10,000 sq ft
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15 hens for larger lots
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Roosters are not permitted
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Coops must be at least 15 feet from property lines
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Unincorporated San Diego County offers more flexibility for larger properties and agricultural zoning.
Orange County
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Chickens are legal in most cities, including Anaheim, Irvine, and Fullerton
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Most cities allow 3 to 6 hens in residential zones
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Roosters are banned
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Setback rules typically range from 20 to 30 feet from dwellings
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Some cities require a permit or notification to neighbors
Always check your specific city ordinances—and any HOA rules you may be subject to.
Riverside County
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In unincorporated Riverside County, chickens are allowed without limit on agricultural or rural residential lots
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In urban and suburban areas, cities like Riverside limit residents to:
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4–6 hens
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No roosters
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Coop placement at least 20 feet from neighboring homes
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Rural residents have more leeway, but urban dwellers face tighter regulation.
San Bernardino County
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In unincorporated areas, chickens are allowed under Animal Keeping Ordinance 88.03
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Roosters require a larger parcel (often over 2.5 acres)
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In city zones:
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4–10 hens allowed depending on lot size
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Setbacks of 20–50 feet from homes
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Roosters are commonly prohibited
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Each city within the county (e.g., Fontana, Ontario, Redlands) enforces its own rules.
Santa Clara County (Including San Jose)
Are chickens allowed in San Jose?
Yes, and the city is backyard chicken-friendly.
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Residents may keep up to 6 hens
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Roosters are banned
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Coops must be 20 feet from all neighboring dwellings
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Chickens must be housed at all times
Outside San Jose, the county generally follows similar guidelines but is more flexible in unincorporated areas.
Alameda County (Including Oakland and Fremont)
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Oakland allows up to 4 hens without a permit
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No roosters allowed
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Coops must be clean and at least 20 feet from any residence
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Fremont allows up to 6 hens and also enforces setback and noise regulations
Rural areas in Alameda County tend to allow more chickens with fewer restrictions.
Sacramento County
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Chickens are permitted in residential zones
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City of Sacramento allows:
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Up to 6 hens
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No roosters
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Setbacks of 15–20 feet from neighboring buildings
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County ordinances are generally chicken-friendly, especially in AG-zoned areas
HOAs in newer suburbs may prohibit poultry regardless of city law.
Fresno County
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Unincorporated areas have fewer restrictions—roosters are often allowed
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In Fresno city, you may keep:
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Up to 6 hens
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No roosters
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Coops must be 20 feet from any neighboring home
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Chicken-keeping is especially common in agricultural and edge-of-town properties
Fresno’s hot summers mean shaded, well-ventilated coops are a must.
San Francisco County
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Backyard chickens are legal in San Francisco
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Residents can keep up to 4 hens
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Roosters are prohibited
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Chickens must be kept at least 20 feet from any dwelling
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Coops must be enclosed and sanitary to avoid public health violations
Despite tight lot sizes, chickens are popular in community gardens and urban homesteads.
Common Rules Across California Counties
Though the numbers may change slightly, here are the typical chicken laws that most California counties follow:
| Rule | Common Standard |
|---|---|
| Roosters | Banned in residential areas |
| Hen Limit | 3–6 hens in urban zones; more in rural/agriculture zones |
| Coop Setback | 15–35 feet from neighboring dwellings |
| Permits | Not always required for small flocks |
| Containment | Chickens must stay in fenced coops or runs |
| Cleanliness | Coops must be clean and free of odors or pests |
If you’re unsure, use this chicken coop calculator to help design a coop that meets both your birds’ needs and your city’s legal standards.
Rural vs. Urban Chicken Keeping in California
Urban/Suburban Areas:
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Smaller flocks (3–6 hens)
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No roosters
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Strict setback and noise rules
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May require a permit
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HOA rules may override city ordinances
Rural Areas (Unincorporated/AG-zoned):
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Larger flocks permitted
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Roosters usually allowed
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More freedom in coop placement
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Fewer noise or nuisance complaints
If you live outside city limits, you’re likely to have more freedom—but you still need to check local zoning.
How to Check Chicken Laws for Your Property
Here’s how to find out exactly what’s allowed where you live:
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Use your county’s GIS or zoning map to determine your property’s zoning
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Search your city or county’s municipal code online
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Call your city’s planning department for direct confirmation
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Check your HOA rules if you’re in a neighborhood development
Never assume based on what others are doing. Chicken laws are hyperlocal in California.
Planning a Legal, Comfortable Chicken Coop
Once you’re clear on the rules, build your coop with legal and comfort standards in mind:
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Minimum 3–4 sq. ft. per chicken inside the coop
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8–10 sq. ft. per chicken in the run
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Proper ventilation and shade
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Secure fencing to keep predators out
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Meet required setbacks from property lines
Use the chicken coop calculator to figure out the exact square footage and layout your coop needs based on local zoning and your flock size.
Conclusion
California offers countless opportunities for backyard chicken enthusiasts—but only if you follow the rules. With chicken laws varying from Los Angeles to San Francisco, it’s critical to check your local ordinances before setting up your coop.
Whether you’re in an urban neighborhood or a sprawling vineyard property, being informed is the best way to keep your chickens—and your neighbors—happy.
Ready to build your coop? Start smart by using the chicken coop calculator to plan the right space and stay compliant with your local zoning laws.
Because when your chickens are happy, so is everyone else.