Thinking about keeping backyard chickens in California? You often can—but the rules depend on your city or county. Some cities allow a few hens with coop setbacks. Others require permits or ban roosters. Rural counties may be more relaxed. This guide covers major regions like Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Santa Clara, Alameda, and Sacramento counties.
No Single State Rule—Local Rules Control
California doesn’t have a statewide rule that lets you raise backyard chickens freely. Instead, cities and counties decide. You’ll find limits on flock size, setback distances for coops, permit needs, and restrictions on roosters. Always check your local city code or county planning department before you start.
Los Angeles County (City of Los Angeles & Surrounding Cities)
City of Los Angeles
- You can keep up to four chickens.
- One rooster is allowed per property.
- Coops must be at least 20 ft from neighboring residences, 35 ft from the front property line, and 10 ft from side or rear lot lines.
- No permit is required if you follow all rules.
- Coops must be clean, ventilated, and free of odor or pests.
Other Cities in L.A. County
Many other cities allow backyard hens under local ordinances:
- Long Beach: Up to 4 hens without permit; 5–10 chickens require a permit and 35 ft setback; 11–20 chickens require permit and 50 ft setback. Roosters are banned.
- Santa Clarita, Glendale, Torrance, Burbank, Downey, Pomona and others generally allow chickens with local limits—often 4–6 hens, no roosters, setback rules.
- Beverly Hills, Pasadena, Inglewood: Chickens are not typically allowed.
San Diego County
The City of San Diego is one of the most chicken-friendly places:
- Up to 5 hens allowed if coop is in rear yard, ≥5 ft from side lines and ≥13 ft from rear line.
- Up to 15 hens allowed if coop is ≥15 ft from all property lines.
- Up to 25 hens if coop is at least 50 ft from any building used as a residence.
- No roosters allowed.
- Coop and enclosure must be clean, predator‑proof, ventilated, and waste managed.
Santa Clara County (San Jose & Nearby Cities)
San Jose
- Up to 6 chickens allowed without a permit on most residential lots.
- If you want more than six hens, you need a permit from the health officer.
- Roosters are banned.
- Coops must be placed at least 25 ft from neighboring residences and properly enclosed.
Other Cities
Cities like Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Cupertino, Morgan Hill, Campbell, Los Gatos, Gilroy, and Los Altos also allow backyard hens—often with small-keep limits like 4–6 hens, permit rules, setbacks, and no roosters.
Alameda County (Oakland, Fremont, Berkeley, Livermore, Pleasanton)
- Oakland: Chickens allowed, no roosters, coop must sit at least 20 ft from any dwelling, church, or school.
- Fremont: Likely two chickens without permit; more may require a permit depending on lot size.
- San Leandro, Berkeley: Typically allow 4–10 hens depending on lot size, no roosters, and require proper coop location and maintenance.
- Livermore, Pleasanton, Alameda: Many allow a few hens—usually up to six—but always verify city rules. Roosters are prohibited in residential zones.
Sacramento County (City of Sacramento, Citrus Heights, Rancho Cordova, Elk Grove)
Sacramento City
- Up to three hens per residential parcel.
- Roosters are prohibited.
- Coops must be at least 20 ft from any neighboring dwelling.
- No slaughtering on site.
Rancho Cordova
- Up to six hens allowed with a formal Hen Permit in RD‑3 to RD‑7 zoning categories.
- Roosters are not allowed.
- Coop must be in rear or side yard, ≥5 ft from property lines and ≥20 ft from adjacent dwelling.
- Feed must be stored rodent‑proof; coops need ventilation, shade, and regular cleaning.
- Permit valid for five years and requires renewal and a fee.
Other Nearby Cities
Citrus Heights permits up to six hens on single-family residential lots. Elk Grove generally allows hens only in areas zoned agricultural. Always check zoning district before you start.
Riverside & San Bernardino & Orange County Highlights
Many cities across these counties allow backyard hens. Here are a few examples:
- Anaheim: One hen per 1,800 sq ft of lot; roosters banned.
- Garden Grove, Santa Ana: Typically allow four to five hens depending on lot size; no roosters.
- Riverside, Corona, Temecula, Moreno Valley: Rules vary with lot size; limits usually range from 2–5 hens, sometimes up to 30 on large lots; roosters banned or limited.
Rural Counties and Unincorporated Areas
In rural or unincorporated parts of California, many counties have fewer or no formal restrictions—instead using general animal control rules. If zoning allows agriculture, you may keep hens freely. But odor, noise, and nuisance rules still apply and could trigger enforcement.
Quick Summary Table
| Location | Hens Allowed | Roosters? | Permit Required? | Coop & Setback Rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | Up to 4 hens | 1 rooster allowed | No | 20 ft to neighbor, 35 ft front, 10 ft side/rear |
| Long Beach | 1–4 no permit; up to 20 with permit | No | Permit if ≥5 | 10–50 ft based on flock size |
| San Diego | Up to 5/15/25 based on setback | No | No, if within limits | Rear yard, 5–50 ft from lines or buildings |
| San Jose | Up to 6 hens | No | Permit if >6 | 25 ft from neighbor residence |
| Oakland | Typically up to 6 hens | No | No | Coop ≥20 ft from dwelling/church/school |
| Rancho Cordova | Up to 6 hens | No | Yes, Hen Permit | Coop 5 ft lines, 20 ft neighbor |
| Sacramento | Up to 3 hens | No | No | Coop ≥20 ft from neighbor dwelling |
How to Stay Legal
• Check your property zoning (residential, agricultural, etc.) online or with planning office.
• Look up your city or county code for chicken rules—many post this online.
• Roosters are mostly banned in cities; one rooster might be allowed only in L.A. city.
• Follow coop setback rules—some cities require as much as 50 ft distance.
• Use predator‑proof, ventilated, easily cleanable coop and enclosure.
• Manage manure, store feed rodent‑proof, clean regularly to avoid nuisances.
• If HOAs apply, confirm whether they allow chickens even if city code does.
Why These Rules Exist
Local ordinances help prevent noise, foul odors, pests, and neighborhood disputes. Setbacks keep chickens and coops at a distance from homes. Permits let officials check coop plans before you build. Together, rules balance personal poultry with city living.
Bottom Line
California doesn’t have a single rule for backyard chickens. Many cities allow hens in residential areas, usually with a limit of 3–6 birds, coop setbacks, and no roosters. Some progressive cities permit larger flocks based on distance from neighbors. Rural zones may be more relaxed—but nuisance and sanitation rules still apply. If you provide your city or county name, I can help check the exact and latest rules in your area.