Sacramento County, CA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Lot size
- Under 10,000 sq ft
- Density
- 1 bird / 1,000 sq ft
- Setback
- 20 ft from neighbors' homes
- Coop
- Covered, roof and 4 sides
Summary
Unincorporated Sacramento County allows backyard chickens and other egg-laying fowl on lots under 10,000 square feet at one bird per 1,000 square feet of parcel, kept in rear yards with a covered coop and a 20-foot setback from neighboring homes.
On lots less than 10,000 square feet, the keeping of egg-laying fowl, not classified as crowing fowl, such as chickens, non-quacking ducks, pigeons, and quail, are allowed subject to the following restrictions:
Animals must be kept in rear yard areas only.
Residentially zoned parcels may have one of these animals for every 1,000 square feet of parcel area or one for every 200 square feet of rear yard area, whichever is less.
Nonresidentially zoned parcels that are developed with a legally established single-family dwelling may have one of these animals for every 400 square feet of parcel area or one for every 200 square feet of rear yard area, whichever is less.
A covered coop with a roof and four sides must be provided for chickens to voluntarily retreat to and roost at night.
These animals must be kept in a structure or fenced area at least 20 feet from all neighboring residential dwellings at all times.
10 square feet of space shall be available for each animal for foraging and roaming.
The keeping of goats, sheep, steer, fowl, and other similar animals may be temporarily allowed on parcels less than the minimum lot size or in greater number than specified in Section 3.9.3.G.3.a through 3.9.3.G.3.d if one of the following requirements are met:
Full Breakdown
The zoning code lets residential parcels smaller than 10,000 square feet keep egg-laying, non-crowing fowl, chickens, non-quacking ducks, pigeons, and quail, at one bird per 1,000 square feet of parcel or one per 200 square feet of rear yard, whichever is fewer. Birds must stay in the rear yard, roost in a covered coop with a roof and four sides, be kept at least 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling, and have 10 square feet of foraging space each. Roosters and larger lots follow separate, higher limits under the same section.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the per-square-foot bird density, skipping the required covered coop or 20-foot dwelling setback, or keeping fowl outside the rear yard violates SZC § 3.9.3.G.3 and can trigger a Planning Director withdrawal of animal-keeping privileges.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many chickens can I keep on a small lot in Sacramento County?
Do I need a permit for backyard chickens?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sacramento County
How Sacramento County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·California rules heatmap·Compare Sacramento County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.