Thinking about keeping chickens in Victorville? It’s feasible—but only under certain conditions. The city allows backyard poultry, but only on larger residential parcels and in specified areas. Below is an in-depth look at where chickens are permitted, how many you can have, coop requirements, permits, enforcement, and best practices for keeping your urban flock both legal and neighbor-friendly.
1. Where Chickens Are Allowed
Victorville permits chickens only on residential lots that are:
- **Larger than ½ acre (about 21,780 sq ft)**, and
- Located within **two specific zones** of the city, pre-approved for chicken keeping.
If you’re unsure whether your property falls within an approved area, the city encourages you to contact Animal Control at **760-955-5089**.([turn0search0](#), [turn0search8](#))
2. How Many Chickens Are Allowed—and Rooster Rules
Regulations limit the number of adult female poultry (hens) to **three** on qualifying lots. Roosters, however, are **prohibited city-wide** to prevent noise disturbances and potential neighbor complaints. There is also an expectation that birds remain confined at all times.([turn0search1](#))
3. Do You Need a Permit?
Yes. A permit is required to keep chickens. This applies to:
- Lots over ½ acre in designated zones,
- When keeping up to three poultry, and
- Ensuring proper coop setup and sanitation.
It’s important to check with the city’s Development or Animal Control departments to confirm current permit requirements and application procedures.([turn0search1](#), [turn0search8](#))
4. Sanitation and Coop Standards
Victorville’s municipal code emphasizes maintaining clean and sanitary conditions. Specifically:
- Coops and yard areas must not become foul, unsanitary, or attract pests.
- Chickens must be confined—no free-ranging or escaping onto neighboring properties.
This ensures the city’s neighborhoods remain healthy and pest-free.([turn0search2](#))
5. City Code Function and Animal Definitions
Under Title 7 of Victorville’s Municipal Code:
- Pets are defined and regulated separately from livestock.
- Poultry are not considered household pets, especially when kept for food purposes—though small backyard flocks for personal use can be permitted under certain conditions.([turn0search6](#), [turn0search5](#))
6. County Regulations in Unincorporated Areas
The rules above apply to the City of Victorville. If your property lies in the unincorporated county areas like Spring Valley Lake or Mountain View Acres, **San Bernardino County** regulations apply instead—typically with different rules for poultry, licensing, and zoning.([turn0search0](#), [turn0search4](#))
7. Summary Table
| Requirement | Victorville Regulations |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Size | Larger than ½ acre |
| Zones Allowed | Only two specific city zones |
| Maximum Hens Allowed | Up to 3 female poultry |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit Required? | Yes, for backyard poultry in allowed areas |
| Coop/Sanitary Conditions | Must remain clean, sanitary, and contained |
| County Jurisdiction | County rules apply in unincorporated areas |
8. Practical Tips for Chicken Keepers
- **Verify eligibility**—confirm your lot size and zone status with City staff before planning your coop.
- **Apply for your permit early**—contact Animal Control or the Development Department to begin paperwork.
- **Design a clean, secure coop**—ensure predator resistance, regular waste removal, and odor control.
- **Keep hens enclosed at all times**—never allow them to roam freely outside your property.
- **Engage neighbors early**—let them know your plans, share eggs, and demonstrate good hygiene to build goodwill.
- **Track changes and updates**—zoning and city policy can shift, so stay informed of any amendments.
9. Why These Regulations Exist
Given Victorville’s desert-adjacent setting and suburban layout, these rules aim to:
- Maintain public health and prevent odor or vermin issues,
- Respect residential peace by banning roosters,
- Ensure that poultry is kept responsibly by limiting them to larger parcels, and
- Preserve neighborhood character by restricting poultry to designated zones.
10. Final Thoughts
Raising chickens in Victorville is legal—but only under specific, well-defined circumstances. You must own a lot larger than ½ acre situated in approved zones, limit your flock to three hens, secure a permit, and keep your coop clean and secure. These measures reflect the city’s focus on community health, aesthetics, and humane stewardship. If you’re considering bringing chickens home, plan carefully, remain compliant, and your feathered friends can happily thrive in harmony with the neighborhood.