Backyard chickens are allowed in Elk Grove residential zones, generally up to 6 hens on standard lots. Roosters are prohibited in most residential zoning. Coop setbacks from property lines apply.
Elk Grove allows chickens in single-family residential zones under Municipal Code Title 23 zoning provisions. Typical limits are up to 6 hens on standard suburban lots, with higher counts permitted on larger lots and in agricultural-residential zones such as portions of the Sheldon area and the rural fringe near the Cosumnes River. Roosters are prohibited in most residential zones due to noise impacts. Coops must be set back from property lines (typically 5 to 15 feet side and rear, greater from neighbor dwellings). Coops must be kept clean to prevent odor and vector attraction. Sale of eggs or meat from residential flocks is generally not permitted as a home occupation without business licensing. HOAs in many Elk Grove master-planned neighborhoods (Laguna Ridge, Stonelake, Madeira) prohibit chickens entirely via CC&Rs regardless of city allowance.
Violations typically result in a compliance notice requiring rooster removal, flock reduction, or coop relocation. Administrative citations start around 100 dollars if ignored.
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