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

Redding's keeping-of-animals rule sits in the Zoning Ordinance at Section 18.43.040 (https://files.cityofredding.gov/Document%20Center/Departments/Development%20Services/Planning/Zoning%20Ordinance/Section%201843040%20Animals.pdf), not in Title 7 of the Municipal Code (which covers dog licensing and animal control). The Zoning Ordinance treats hen chickens as broadly permitted, livestock as a rural-zone use, and exotics as a discretionary permit matter. Subsection 18.43.040(E)(1) allows lots up to 19,999 square feet (sub-half-acre) to keep up to six (6) hen chickens over three months old, provided a residence is on the lot and the enclosure rules are met. Lots 20,000-39,999 square feet may keep small animals (poultry, rabbits) at one animal unit total — 10 poultry equal 1 animal unit under 18.43.040(D)(2)(a), so the practical cap is 10 chickens. Lots 40,000+ square feet may keep large and small animals at 2 animal units, plus one additional unit per 20,000 square feet of additional lot size. Subsection 18.43.040(D)(2)(d)(1) requires all poultry to be contained in coops or pens — no free-ranging — and expressly prohibits rooster chickens over three months in age. The maximum poultry count is 20 (2 animal units). Turkeys cap at four (subsection D(2)(d)(3)). Coop setbacks under 18.43.040(C) require enclosures to be at least 15 feet from side/rear property lines (5 feet for hen-chicken coops with written neighbor consent under the Exception), 50 feet from the front property line, and 40 feet from any residence on an adjoining property for poultry (reducible to 30 feet for hens with written consent). Large animals require 75-foot setbacks from neighboring residences (75 feet for horses, cattle, sheep; 100 feet for goats; 500 feet for pigs/hogs; with a maximum of 3 sows and 1 boar). The keeping of cats, dogs, pot-bellied pigs, and other household pets is separately governed by Title 7 of the Municipal Code per 18.43.040(A). Unsanitary conditions — accumulation of fecal matter, odor, insect infestation, rodent attractants — are independently prohibited under 18.43.040(G). Animal Regulation is handled under contract by Haven Humane Society at 7449 Eastside Road, Anderson, CA 96007 (530-241-2550) per https://www.havenhumane.org/animal-regulations.