If you’re thinking about keeping chickens in your yard in California, there’s a lot to navigate. From county-level zoning to city-specific rules—and even proposed state changes about roosters—this guide gives you a full picture with clarity and depth.
1. No Single Statewide Rule
California does not have one overarching law on backyard chickens. Whether you can have hens depends on where you live—your county, city or town, and your property’s zoning determine what’s possible.
Some counties allow chickens outright in unincorporated residential zones—cities may impose additional restrictions or even bans. Always check your local authority first.
2. Examples from Counties & Cities Across California
- Contra Costa County: The Urban Farm Animals Ordinance permits one hen per 1,000 sq ft, up to 20 hens total. Coops can be up to 12 ft high and must meet detailed setback rules based on lot width.
- Humboldt County: On lots of at least 5,000 sq ft, up to 10 hens are allowed; for every extra 500 sq ft over that, you may add one more. Roosters are banned, coops must be 50 ft from dwellings, and 20 ft from property lines.
- Placer County: Up to 6 hens on 5,000 sq ft or larger lots in single-family zones. Coops must be predator-proof, and sit at least 25 ft from front property lines and 20 ft from the side and rear. Roosters are prohibited.
- San Joaquin County: No hens allowed on lots under 1/3 acre. On medium lots you can have up to 15 hens and one rooster; on lots of 3 acres or more, up to 35 hens. Coops must provide 4 sq ft per bird, sit in the rear yard, and be at least 25 ft from dwellings.
- San Mateo County: On residential lots of 2,500–7,500 sq ft, up to 6 hens allowed; on larger lots, up to 10. Coops must be in the backyard, under 100 sq ft, and no taller than 6 ft.
- San Francisco: Up to 4 hens (as part of household pets) are allowed without a permit; more require a permit. Roosters are prohibited; coops must be at least 20 ft from any door or window.
- San Diego: Up to 5 hens permitted (location-dependent); no roosters. If the coop sits 15 ft from property lines, you can have up to 15 hens. At 50 ft setback, up to 25 hens. Coops must be ventilated, secure, and each chicken needs 10 sq ft of space.
- Anaheim: 1 hen per 1,800 sq ft is allowed; roosters are not.
- Bakersfield: Up to 8 hens, with no roosters allowed.
- Oakland: No set limit on hens; roosters are prohibited.
- Sacramento: One of the strictest—permit and license required for each chicken. Roosters are banned, and limits on hen numbers apply under licensing.
- Long Beach: Up to 20 hens allowed, no roosters; coop must be at least 20 ft from dwellings.
- Los Angeles: Up to 4 chickens. No permit needed for 5 or fewer; roosters generally prohibited.
- San Jose: Up to 6 hens at 20 ft setback; up to 4 hens at 15 ft. No roosters allowed.
3. Rooster Restrictions & Proposed State Legislation
Many jurisdictions outright prohibit roosters due to noise and nuisance regulations. At the state level, a bill introduced in 2025 (AB 928) proposes limiting rooster ownership to no more than 3 per acre, or 25 roosters total per property, starting in 2027—except for certain exemptions like schools, FFA, shelters, or exhibition breeders. Violations carry civil penalties up to $2,500 each.
4. HOAs and Private Covenants
Homeowners associations in California can impose separate restrictions under their CC&Rs—even stricter than city or county laws. Under the Davis–Stirling Act, these documents are considered binding unless they conflict with state or federal laws.
If your HOA bans chickens, you’ll likely need a formal variance or amendment to the CC&Rs to keep them legally.
5. Why These Rules Matter
Regulating backyard chickens helps ensure public health, minimize nuisances like odor and noise, protect neighbors, and reduce disease or predator risks. In California, lead exposure has been documented in backyard flocks due to contaminated soil or bedding, making responsible keeping essential.
6. Quick Reference Table
| Location | Hen Limit | Roosters | Key Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contra Costa Co. | 1 per 1,000 sq ft (max 20) | No | Setbacks based on lot width; 12-ft coop max |
| Humboldt Co. | 10 on 5,000 sq ft; +1 per 500 sq ft | No | 50 ft from dwellings; zoning-dependent |
| Placer Co. | Up to 6 | No | 5,000 sq ft lot min; coop setbacks apply |
| San Joaquin Co. | 0 under 1/3 acre; up to 15 on mid- | 1 rooster on mid-lots | Rear yard coop; 4 sq ft per hen |
| San Mateo Co. | 6 on < 7,500 sq ft; 10 on larger | Varies | Coop ≤100 sq ft, ≤6 ft tall |
| San Francisco | 4 pets (permit for more) | No | 20 ft setback; part of pet count |
| San Diego | Up to 5 (varies by setback) | No | 10 sq ft per bird; coop standards apply |
| Sacramento | Restricted by permitting | No | Licensing required per chicken |
| Long Beach | Up to 20 | No | 20 ft setback |
| Los Angeles | Up to 4 (no permit ≤5) | Restricted | City-specific zoning applies |
| San Jose | 6 at 20 ft; 4 at 15 ft | No | Strict setback rules |
7. FAQs
Can my HOA ban chickens even if my city allows them?
Yes—HOA rules are binding unless they directly conflict with state law; you may need a written exception or amendment if they’re prohibited.
What happens if I accidentally keep roosters?
You could be fined or required to remove them—especially once AB 928 is in effect (2027), where state-level penalties apply.
Do I need a permit?
In most counties and cities, yes if you’re over the basic allotment or your city requires it (e.g., Sacramento licenses every chicken). Always check local municipal code.
Why are setback rules so strict?
They protect neighbors from noise, odors, health hazards, and nuisance issues. Keeping coops properly positioned is part of being a conscientious owner.
8. Final Thoughts
In California, plenty of communities welcome backyard hens—but the rules vary widely. To keep chickens legally and responsibly:
- Start with your county and city’s zoning code.
- Understand coop and setback requirements.
- Watch for licensing or permit needs.
- Keep roosters to a minimum—or avoid them entirely.
- Get your HOA’s blessing if applicable.
- Stay aware of proposed state law changes—like AB 928—for future planning.
With a little research and good planning, you can enjoy fresh eggs and healthy birds—fully compliant and harmonious with your community.