Carson, CA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Carson does not have an Agricultural zoning district. The City's zoning code (CMC Article IX, Ch. 1, available on eCode360 as the current code through January 6, 2026) regulates accessory uses on single-family lots, and animal keeping that constitutes a commercial use or a public nuisance is prohibited. Where the city is silent, Los Angeles County Code Title 10 (Animals) — administered by LA County Animal Care & Control — applies through Carson's contract relationship for animal services. Title 10 sets baseline rules on licensing of dogs/cats, rabies vaccination, kennel permits (4 or more dogs over 4 months old), and the general prohibition on keeping animals that constitute a public nuisance through noise, odor, or unsanitary conditions. LA County's zoning code (Title 22) — which historically governs unincorporated areas — provides comparable per-lot caps: in unincorporated R-1, generally no more than a few hens are permitted, roosters are prohibited, and coops must be set back at least 35 feet from any neighboring dwelling. Carson Code Enforcement applies similar nuisance-based limits. Larger livestock (horses, cattle, sheep, goats, swine) is not permitted on any residential lot in Carson because no parcels are zoned for agriculture. Under California law, Cal. Penal Code §597 establishes the basic duty of care (food, water, shelter, protection from weather) for any animal owner, and avian influenza (HPAI H5) monitoring is coordinated through the LA County Department of Public Health and CDFA.