Buena Park, CA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit
- Ministerial permit, Community & Economic Development
- Enclosure size
- 10 sq ft permeable land per chicken
- Setback
- 10 feet from side/rear property lines
- Location
- Side or rear yard only, no front
- Livestock
- Limited to Agricultural Overlay Zone
Summary
Buena Park requires a ministerial permit from Community and Economic Development before keeping chickens in RS residential zones, with minimum enclosure size and setback rules enforced under the city's 2025 zoning update.
No property may keep chickens without first obtaining a ministerial permit from the Community and Economic Development Department.
2. Any property which keeps or maintains chickens shall provide an adequate enclosure.
3. The enclosure must be a minimum size of 10 square feet of permeable land per chicken.
4. The enclosure must provide protection for the chickens from the elements, and to prevent wildlife or other predators from gaining entry.
5. Chicken enclosures or related structures may be located in the side or rear of the property but shall not be located in the front yard.
6. Chicken coops/runs/enclosures shall be at least 10-feet from any side or rear property line.
7. Chickens must be provided proper feeding and water at intervals not longer than 12 hours apart.
8. Coops, pens, enclosures or yards where chickens are kept must be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. Manure or other debris shall be removed from such enclosures daily.
9. Each application for the keeping of chickens shall be on a City-provided form and shall include the following information and documentation:
a. The property address where chicken keeping is proposed.
b. Property owner authorization.
c. A site plan showing the location on the parcel where the enclosure/coop/run will be located.
d. Self-attestation that the applicant has completed a training/certification course on keeping of chickens.
10.
Full Breakdown
Buena Park's zoning code allows chicken keeping in RS residential zones, but only after the owner gets a ministerial permit from the Community and Economic Development Department. Chicken enclosures need at least 10 square feet of permeable ground per bird, must sit in the side or rear yard (never the front), stay at least 10 feet from side or rear property lines, and be predator-proof. Chickens need feed and water at least every 12 hours, and coops must be cleaned daily. General livestock (goats, horses, cows) stays confined to the city's Agricultural Overlay Zone under Title 6.
Violations & Fines
Keeping chickens without the required permit, or violating enclosure size, setback, or sanitation standards, is enforceable and can lead to permit denial or revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to keep backyard chickens in Buena Park?
How far must a chicken coop be from my property line?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Buena Park
How Buena Park compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·California rules heatmap·Compare Buena Park to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Chickens & Livestock in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle chickens & livestock.