Oakley, CA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Reflecting Oakley's agricultural heritage, the Municipal Code permits backyard chicken-keeping on single-family residential lots, typically allowing up to six hens per property. Roosters are prohibited in standard residential zones due to noise impacts, though some agricultural-residential (AR) and rural-residential zones may allow a single rooster subject to setback rules. Coops and runs must be set back from property lines (commonly 10 feet from side/rear property lines and 20 feet from any adjacent residence), kept in sanitary condition to control odor, rodents, and flies, and must provide adequate shelter. Free-ranging chickens must remain on the owner's property. Slaughter of poultry on residential property is generally prohibited outside permitted farm zones. Waste management — regular cleaning, dry litter, and appropriate disposal — is essential for compliance; accumulated manure can trigger nuisance complaints under Oakley Municipal Code Title 8. Raising chickens for commercial egg sales requires compliance with California's cottage food and egg handler laws. Residents in HOAs should check CC&Rs separately, as many newer Oakley subdivisions (Summer Lake, Magnolia Park) prohibit poultry entirely despite the city allowing it.