Lake Forest, CA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Lake Forest does not have a standalone backyard-chicken chapter. Instead, fowl such as chickens fall under the 'animal' definition used in Chapter 10.12, sections 10.12.080 through 10.12.120, which 'shall not include a cat or dog but shall include livestock.' The key physical standard in this chapter is a setback rule: pens, cages, corrals, stables and other structures used to keep animals overnight, other than in the residence, 'shall be located at least 50 feet from any adjoining existing residential structure,' or where none exists, 50 feet from where a residence could legally be located. Owners of livestock must also maintain a fence good and substantial enough to prevent animals from straying. Whether poultry may be kept at all on a given parcel is governed by the City's zoning code (Title 9); animal keeping is generally limited to lots zoned to allow it, and the 50-foot setback effectively restricts coops on small master-planned lots. Roosters are not addressed by a specific city section we located, but crowing can trigger the City's noise control provisions (Chapter 11.16). Because the city is a built-out master-planned community, most residential lots cannot meet the 50-foot enclosure separation. Residents should confirm parcel zoning with the Community Development Department before keeping poultry.