Galt allows backyard chickens on residential and agricultural-residential lots given the city's farming heritage, typically permitting a small flock of hens with no roosters in standard residential zones and larger flocks with roosters on AG-zoned parcels.
Galt's agricultural heritage and surrounding rural land uses make backyard poultry more broadly accepted than in many suburban cities. On standard single-family residential lots inside the city limits, the Galt Municipal Code and zoning code typically allow a limited number of hens (commonly up to 4 to 6) with no roosters, a coop set back a minimum distance from neighboring dwellings (often around 20 feet) and side/rear property lines (often 5 to 10 feet), and enclosed runs that prevent chickens from roaming onto neighboring lots. On Agricultural-Residential (AR) or Agricultural (AG) zoned parcels common at Galt's edges, larger flocks and roosters are generally allowed subject to general nuisance rules. Coop cleanliness is important: odor, flies, and rodents can trigger nuisance citations under Galt's public health provisions. Eggs sold directly from the farm for personal consumption are generally unregulated; sales at farmers markets or to retailers require compliance with California Department of Food and Agriculture egg handler rules. The California Right to Farm Act protects established poultry operations.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how other cities in Sacramento County handle chickens & livestock.
See how Galt's chickens & livestock rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.