Chico, CA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Site area, horses/cattle/hogs
- 8,000 sq ft each
- Site area, sheep/goats
- 2,000 sq ft each
- Side-line setback
- 25 feet
- Street/home setback
- 50 feet
Summary
Chico allows horses, cattle, goats, and other livestock on residential-zoned lots, but ties the number allowed to minimum site area and to setbacks under § 19.76.040.
Bulls, cows, goats, hogs, horses, pigs, and sheep shall not be kept within 25 feet of any side property line, nor within 50 feet of any adjacent street or occupied residences; and
3. Small animals shall not be kept within 20 feet of any occupied residences on adjacent parcels and may be kept within 10 feet of the owner’s occupied residence. Roosters shall not be allowed in the RS, R1, and TND zoning districts.
4. Storage of food for animal keeping shall be kept in sealed containers located in a dry, secure environment that prevents disturbance or infestation from stray animals, vermin, insects or any other source of contamination. (Ord. 2223, Ord. 2358 §16, Ord. 2440 §49) TABLE 5-10 MINIMUM SITE AREA REQUIRED FOR ANIMALS
Land Type of Use Animal Minimum Site Area Required Allowed Horses, cattle, 8,000 sq.ft. per animal or hogs Large Sheep or 2,000 sq.ft. per animal Animals goats Other allowed 2,000 sq.ft. per animal large animals Poultry, rabbits, miniature pot-
Small bellied 100 sq.ft. per animal not within 20 feet of occupied residences on Animals pigs, and adjacent parcels; 10 sq. ft. per animal within 10 feet of owner’s other residence.
similarly allowed small animals
(Ord. 2494 §49)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Supplement contains local legislation current through: Codified Resolution No. 53-26, adopted 7-14-26 and Ordinance No. 2622, adopted 6-2-26).
Full Breakdown
Chico's zoning code, § 19.76.040(E), lets large animals be kept on a parcel but ties the number allowed to site area under Table 5-10: 8,000 square feet per horse, cow, or hog, and 2,000 square feet per sheep or goat. Bulls, cows, goats, hogs, horses, pigs, and sheep must stay at least 25 feet from any side property line and 50 feet from an adjacent street or occupied residence. Household pets are separately allowed as an accessory residential use, and the section's 'Offensive Animals' clause bars keeping any animal in a way that causes hazard or offensive dust, noise, or odor to neighbors.
Violations & Fines
Zoning violation; the Director can require setback or site-area corrections, and offensive-animal conditions are separately enforceable as nuisances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a horse or goats on my property in Chico?
How far must livestock be kept from my neighbor's house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chico
How Chico compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·California rules heatmap·Compare Chico to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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