Orange Chickens & Livestock Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

The Short Version

The City of Orange restricts the keeping of chickens and livestock on residential property based on the zoning designation of the lot. In standard residential zones (R-1 single-family, R-2 two-family, and R-3 multi-family), the keeping of roosters, livestock, and agricultural animals is generally prohibited. Hens may be permitted on single-family residential lots of sufficient size, but the Orange Municipal Code imposes specific limitations on the number of birds allowed, the location and design of coops and enclosures, and the setbacks from neighboring residences. Roosters are prohibited in all standard residential zones due to noise concerns. The city's agricultural heritage as a former citrus-growing community means that some properties, particularly larger lots in certain areas, may retain agricultural or estate residential zoning designations that allow more expansive animal keeping. Properties zoned for estate residential or agricultural uses may be permitted to keep horses, goats, and other livestock subject to lot size minimums, setback requirements, and animal density limits. These zones typically require minimum lot sizes of one-half acre or more and impose setbacks of at least thirty-five to fifty feet from the animal keeping area to any neighboring residence. All animal keeping in Orange must comply with Title 6 of the Orange Municipal Code regarding animal control, sanitation, noise, and nuisance prevention. Animal enclosures and coops must be kept clean and maintained in a sanitary condition that does not attract rodents, produce offensive odors, or create conditions that constitute a public nuisance. Orange County Animal Care provides animal control services for the City of Orange.