Chickens and other backyard fowl are 'specialty animals' in San Clemente. SCMC 6.44 requires a permit-linked keeping standard: zoning compliance, humane sanitary conditions, and coops located at least 100 feet from the nearest adjacent structure.
Under SCMC 6.04.010, a 'specialty animal' is any non-canine, non-feline domesticated animal kept as a pet, which covers chickens, hens, and other fowl. SCMC 6.44.020 (Ord. 1797, eff. 11-4-2025) requires any lot keeping specialty animals to meet the Zoning Code minimum lot size (including SCMC 17.16.060), keep animals humanely, and locate pens, roosts, or hutches at least 100 feet from the nearest adjacent structure. SCMC 6.24.010 separately bars keeping any animal within 100 feet of another occupied residence unless zoning allows, and caps non-dog/cat animals at six per residential property. On small coastal lots the 100-foot setback is the practical limit. Roosters also fall under animal-noise rules (SCMC 6.24.040). Keeping is administered by the Coastal Animal Services Authority (CASA).
Violating the setback, zoning, or sanitation rules of SCMC 6.44.020 and 6.24.010 is an infraction with an administrative fine; a third Title 6 violation within a year is a misdemeanor (SCMC 6.04.070). Unsanitary conditions are abatable under SCMC 6.24.060.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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Under California SB 1383, San Clemente requires single-family and multifamily residents to subscribe to organics collection and recycle green waste and food ...
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San Clemente's Landscape Standards require living, drought-tolerant plant material and permeable surfaces, with required landscaping at least 60 percent Cali...
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San Clemente's Landscape Standards require drought-tolerant, water-efficient landscaping for new and rehabilitated projects. Under Municipal Code Section 17....
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San Clemente has no ordinance prohibiting residential rainwater harvesting, and California's Rainwater Capture Act (2012) allows homeowners to collect roofto...
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The City of San Clemente is the water utility for most of the city; the Talega area is served by Santa Margarita Water District. Permanent water-waste restri...
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San Clemente's annual Weed Abatement Program treats overgrown weeds and dry vegetation as a fire hazard and nuisance. Owners must clear weeds and debris by M...
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