Antioch, CA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Fowl allowed without permit
- Up to 10 ducks, geese, chickens, etc.
- Roosters
- Permit always required
- Enclosure setback
- 20 ft from dwellings, churches, schools
- Permit issuer
- Animal Control Supervisor
- Large livestock
- Requires 3/4-acre enclosure plus permit
Summary
Antioch households may keep up to ten total ducks, geese, chickens or other fowl without a permit; going over that number, or keeping any rooster at all, requires a permit from the Animal Control Supervisor under AMC § 6-1.601. Fowl enclosures must sit at least 20 feet from any dwelling, church or school.
(C) Number of fowl.
(1) It is unlawful for a person to keep or maintain more than ten total ducks, geese, chickens or other fowl, without a permit issued under § 6-1.601. No person may keep a rooster without a permit under § 6-1.601.
(2) Fowl shall be kept in enclosures located a minimum of 20 feet from any dwelling, church, or school (except with permission on school premises). Such enclosures shall be maintained in a clean manner.
Full Breakdown
303, meaning an inspection and neighbor notice within 300 feet before approval. Any rooster requires a permit regardless of how many other birds are on the property. 601, before issuing that permit the Animal Control Supervisor must first determine the birds are not likely to harm the animal, create a nuisance or health hazard, or cause unreasonable noise or odor disturbance to the neighborhood. Enclosures must be built at least 20 feet from any dwelling, church, or school (school-district permission can waive the school-distance rule) and kept clean. 603 bars horses and bovine animals citywide unless the zoning ordinance expressly allows them. 602(E).
Violations & Fines
Keeping fowl or a rooster over the limit without a permit is a code violation enforceable as a misdemeanor under the citywide general penalty, AMC § 1-2.01, unless the City Attorney reduces the charge to an infraction. Each day the excess flock or unpermitted rooster remains is treated as a separate offense, and the condition is also a declared public nuisance subject to abatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep chickens in Antioch without a permit?
How far must a coop be from my neighbor's house?
Can I keep a rooster in Antioch?
What about keeping a goat, pig, or horse?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Antioch
How Antioch compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·California rules heatmap·Compare Antioch to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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