Los Angeles, CA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Rooster limit
- 1 per lot or premises
- Business/exhibition exception
- Yes, with valid permits in appropriate zones
- Film exception
- Yes, under City film permit; remove nuisance roosters daily
- Grandfather permit
- Up to 3 roosters as pets; applications closed 12/31/2009; no replacement roosters
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor
- Distance rules
- Set by Department of Animal Services under § 53.59
Summary
Los Angeles limits rooster ownership to one per premises; existing owners of multiple roosters could seek a one-time permit to keep up to three as pets, but no new replacement roosters are allowed under that permit.
No person or persons shall own, possess, maintain or have custody of more than one rooster on any lot, building, structure, property or premises within the City of Los Angeles, subject to the following exceptions:
(a) This section shall not prohibit any business, educational facility or lawful animal exhibition from having or maintaining roosters, provided that such business, educational facility or animal exhibition: (i) has appropriate and valid permits and licenses; (ii) operates in appropriately zoned areas; and (iii) maintains roosters as an integral and otherwise lawful part of such business or activity.
(c) Persons owning more than one pet rooster may seek a permit from the Department to keep up to three of the roosters as pets for the remainder of the roosters' lives; provided that the roosters do not create a nuisance or health hazard, are microchipped or fitted with a legband approved by the Department for permanent identification and are maintained in accordance with other laws governing the possession of fowl in the City. No replacement roosters shall be allowed under this permit. The Department may charge an administrative fee not to exceed $50.00 for up to two additional roosters as a one-time permit fee.
(d) A violation of the provisions of this section is a misdemeanor.
Full Breakdown
LAMC § 53.71 restricts each lot, structure, or premises within the City to one rooster. Two permanent exceptions exist: businesses, educational facilities, and licensed animal exhibitions with appropriate permits in properly zoned areas; and filming with roosters under a City film permit (but roosters creating a nuisance must be removed at the end of each filming day). A narrow grandfather permit was available (applications closed December 31, 2009) for existing owners of multiple roosters to keep up to three as pets for the remainder of those specific roosters' lives, the permit required microchipping or a Department-approved leg band and barred any replacement roosters. LAMC § 53.59 separately delegates minimum distance rules for housing animals near dwellings to the Department.
Violations & Fines
Violation is a misdemeanor under LAMC § 53.71(d).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep chickens in LA?
Can I get a permit to have more than one rooster?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
How Los Angeles compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Chickens & Livestock in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle chickens & livestock.