Bakersfield permits backyard chickens (hens) in residential zones under BMC Title 17 subject to number limits and setback requirements. Roosters are generally prohibited in residential zones due to noise. Larger livestock (cows, horses, goats, pigs) are restricted to agricultural and estate zones with minimum parcel sizes. Coops and enclosures must be maintained in sanitary condition.
Bakersfield's agricultural heritage shapes its livestock rules. Hens are typically allowed in residential zones, with common limits of 3 to 6 hens on standard residential lots depending on zone. Roosters are generally prohibited in R-1 and R-2 districts due to noise concerns. Chicken coops and runs must be set back from property lines (typically 10-20 feet from rear/side lines and 25+ feet from neighboring dwellings) and kept clean to prevent odor, flies, and rodents. Larger livestock including horses, cattle, goats, and pigs require estate (E) or agricultural zoning with minimum lot sizes typically starting at 1 acre for horses and larger for cattle. Kern County Animal Services and Bakersfield Code Enforcement handle complaints. Commercial agricultural operations outside city limits follow Kern County regulations. Slaughtering is prohibited in residential zones.
Keeping roosters or exceeding hen limits in residential zones violates BMC Title 17 and can result in administrative citations starting around $100 per violation. Unsanitary conditions create public nuisances under BMC health provisions and may lead to abatement orders. Keeping livestock without appropriate zoning can require removal of animals. Kern County Animal Services may impound animals kept in violation of welfare standards.
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield Municipal Code 6.04.230 prohibits keeping any animal, bird, or fowl that by sound or cry unreasonably disturbs the peace or interferes with the c...
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield Municipal Code Chapter 9.22 prohibits any loud, unnecessary noise that disturbs the peace or quiet of any neighborhood, or that causes discomfort...
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield does not generally ban overnight street parking, but BMC 10.40.010 makes it unlawful for any vehicle (operable or not) to remain parked on a publ...
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield does not restrict year-round lawn ornaments (statues, gnomes, flamingos, religious figures, sports themes) on residential property. There is no p...
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield does not regulate residential inflatable holiday displays by size, lighting, or motor noise. They qualify as seasonal decorations exempt under BM...
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield's outdoor lighting standards exempt seasonal decorations as long as they are not in use for more than 60 consecutive days. Residential lots zoned...
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