Backyard chickens are permitted in Brentwood on most residential lots, with limits commonly of 4-6 hens, no roosters, and coop setbacks from neighboring structures. Agricultural-zoned parcels have no hen limit. Under BMC Title 17, coops must be kept sanitary and meet setback requirements from property lines.
Backyard poultry in Brentwood is governed by BMC Title 17 (Zoning) provisions for animal keeping. Single-family residential zones typically permit 4-6 hens per parcel, with no roosters permitted due to noise concerns (quiet-hours compatibility). Agricultural zones (A-20, A-40, A-80) have no hen limit and allow roosters. Coops and enclosed runs must be set back a minimum distance from neighboring habitable structures, commonly 15-25 feet, and from property lines, commonly 5-10 feet. Coops must be maintained in a sanitary condition free of rodent infestation or objectionable odors, with feed stored in rodent-proof containers. Chickens must be confined to the owner's property and may not free-range onto neighboring lots. Slaughter or processing of poultry for commercial sale is not permitted in residential zones. Violations are handled by Code Enforcement through the general nuisance provisions of the Municipal Code.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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