Carson, CA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- CMC § 9122.3
- Livestock allowed
- None: horses, cows, pigs banned
- Fowl allowed
- None: chickens, turkeys, ducks banned
- Penalty
- Infraction, Article I Chapter 2
- Effective since
- Ord. 79-479 (1979)
Summary
Carson's zoning code prohibits residents from keeping livestock or fowl, including chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, and other farm animals, at any dwelling unit or group quarters in the city, regardless of zone.
Large animals or livestock such as horses, cows, sheep, goats, pigs, hogs and fowl such as chickens, turkeys, peacocks, guineas, geese and ducks, are not permitted. (Interpretation of this provision to be in accordance with CMC § 9172.24.) Any person, firm or corporation violating any provision of this Section shall be guilty of an infraction and shall be punishable as provided in Chapter 2 of Article I of this Code. (Ord. 79-479 § 6)
Full Breakdown
Carson Municipal Code § 9122.3 lists which animals a dwelling's occupants may keep for personal use, then draws a hard line: horses, cows, sheep, goats, pigs, and hogs, plus fowl such as chickens, turkeys, peacocks, guineas, geese, and ducks, 'are not permitted.' The ban applies to every dwelling unit or group quarters in the city, with no exception for a single backyard hen or small flock. Carson allows no livestock or poultry keeping at all. Violating the section is an infraction, punishable under the Municipal Code's general penalty chapter. The rule traces to Ord. 79-479 § 6.
Violations & Fines
Any person, firm, or corporation violating CMC § 9122.3 is guilty of an infraction, punishable under Chapter 2 of Article I of the Carson Municipal Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep backyard chickens in Carson?
What about horses or goats on a residential lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Carson
How Carson compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·California rules heatmap·Compare Carson to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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