Yes, keeping backyard chickens is legal in California, subject to local ordinances and state health codes.
California’s Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) permits backyard poultry under strict biosecurity and welfare standards, while municipal codes often impose additional constraints. As of 2026, counties like Los Angeles and San Diego are tightening coop density limits to mitigate avian influenza risks, requiring permits for flocks exceeding six hens. Violations may trigger fines or mandatory depopulation under CDFA’s 2024 Poultry Health and Safety Act.
Key Regulations for Keeping Backyard Chickens in California
- Flock Size Limits: Most cities cap hens at 6–12 birds (e.g., San Francisco allows 6, unsexed; Sacramento permits 12). Roosters are banned in 90% of jurisdictions due to noise ordinances.
- Coop Standards: Structures must be predator-proof, ventilated, and sited ≥20 feet from neighboring dwellings (per California Building Code §3103B). Waste management plans are mandatory under CDFA’s 2025 Waste Discharge Requirements.
- Biosecurity Protocols: Mandatory reporting of sick or dead birds within 24 hours to the CDFA’s Animal Health Branch. Free-range practices require fencing to prevent contact with wild waterfowl (HPAI prevention, 2024 CDFA Directive 23-01).