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

Backyard chickens are permitted in Pittsburg residential zones subject to zoning and nuisance standards. Typical limits are 4-6 hens per single-family lot, with larger lots sometimes permitted additional hens. Roosters are prohibited in residential zones due to noise. Coops must be well-constructed, predator-resistant, and set back from property lines and neighboring dwellings (commonly 15-25 feet from property lines and at least 25 feet from adjacent residences). The coop and run must be kept clean to prevent odors, flies, and rodent attraction. Feed must be stored in rodent-proof containers. Free-ranging hens cannot leave the owner's property. Slaughter of poultry on residential lots is generally prohibited. Violations are addressed through Code Enforcement, with warnings escalating to administrative citations and abatement orders. California Right to Farm Act (Civil Code §3482.5) does not override urban zoning for new chicken-keeping. Before setting up a coop, residents should confirm their zoning district and specific setback requirements with the Planning Division. HOAs within Pittsburg may impose additional restrictions that supersede city allowances.