Fullerton allows keeping chickens and certain small animals on residential properties subject to zoning restrictions under Municipal Code Chapter 15.50. The number of animals permitted depends on the zoning district and lot size. Roosters are generally prohibited in residential zones due to noise.
Fullerton Municipal Code Chapter 15.50 (Zoning) and Chapter 6.24 (Animals) regulate keeping chickens and livestock on residential property. In standard residential zones (R-1, R-2, R-3), chickens (hens only) may be kept for personal use subject to specific limits. Roosters are generally prohibited in residential zones because of noise. The number of hens allowed typically depends on the lot size and zoning district. Coops and enclosures must be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition and located in the rear yard with required setbacks from property lines and neighboring dwellings. Chickens must be confined to the owner's property and not allowed to roam. Properties in agricultural or estate residential zones may have more permissive animal-keeping standards including the ability to keep larger livestock such as goats, sheep, and horses, typically requiring minimum lot sizes of 20,000 square feet or more. All animal keeping must not create a public nuisance through noise, odor, or attraction of vermin. Animal enclosures must be kept clean with waste regularly removed and properly disposed of. The sale of eggs from residential chickens may be subject to additional regulations. Contact Community Development for specific zoning district allowances. OC Animal Care provides animal control services for Fullerton.
Violations of animal-keeping regulations are enforced by Code Enforcement at (714) 738-6856 and OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848. Keeping prohibited animals or exceeding limits can result in citations and removal orders. Nuisance complaints are investigated on a complaint basis.
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