Costa Mesa Chickens & Livestock Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

The Costa Mesa Municipal Code (CMMC) Title 13 (Planning and Zoning) and Title 7 (Animals) together regulate the keeping of chickens, poultry, and livestock on residential property within the city. Costa Mesa is a fully urbanized city of approximately 16 square miles with a population of about 112,000, and the vast majority of residential properties are in standard R1 (single-family) or multi-family zones where animal-keeping options are limited compared to rural or semi-rural communities. The CMMC's zoning regulations establish which types of animals may be kept in each zoning district and impose conditions related to lot size, setbacks, sanitation, and noise.

In standard R1 residential zones, Costa Mesa allows a limited number of hens (female chickens) to be kept for personal egg production, subject to conditions designed to minimize impacts on neighboring properties. Chicken coops and enclosures must be set back at least 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling unit, must be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition, and must not create odor, pest, or noise nuisances. Roosters (male chickens) are prohibited in all residential zones without exception due to the noise disturbance caused by crowing, which can begin well before dawn and continue throughout the day. The prohibition on roosters is a common regulation in suburban Orange County cities and is strictly enforced in response to neighbor complaints. Other poultry such as ducks, turkeys, and geese are subject to similar restrictions and may be prohibited in standard residential zones depending on lot size and zoning.

Larger livestock — including horses, goats, sheep, cattle, pigs, and llamas — are prohibited in standard R1 and multi-family residential zones. Costa Mesa does not have significant agricultural or equestrian zoning within its city limits, as the city is fully built out with residential, commercial, and industrial development. Properties that may have historically kept horses or other livestock under prior agricultural zoning have been largely rezoned as the city developed. Any remaining properties with equestrian or animal-keeping privileges operate under specific conditional use permits or legacy zoning provisions. Residents interested in keeping any type of animal beyond standard household pets should contact the Costa Mesa Planning Division at (714) 754-5245 to verify what is permitted on their specific property. Animal control services for Costa Mesa are provided by Orange County Animal Care, which handles complaints about animal noise, sanitation, and welfare at (714) 935-6848.