Unincorporated Marin County allows backyard chickens under zoning rules: one hen per 1,000 square feet of lot area, up to 20 hens maximum, with coops up to 12 feet tall. Livestock keeping standards in the Development Code prohibit animals on slopes exceeding 50 percent.
Marin County's Development Code (Title 22) governs animal-keeping standards in unincorporated areas. Backyard chickens are permitted at a density of one hen per 1,000 square feet of lot area, up to a maximum of 20 hens, with chicken coops limited to 12 feet in height. Roosters are generally limited or restricted under nuisance noise rules. For larger livestock — horses, donkeys, mules, ponies — Title 22 standards apply, including a prohibition on keeping these animals on slopes exceeding 50 percent. Setback requirements for animal enclosures vary by zoning district.
Exceeding chicken limits, oversized coops, or keeping livestock on prohibited slopes are zoning violations handled by CDA Code Compliance. Enforcement begins with a notice of violation and correction deadline. Rooster noise complaints are enforced under Chapter 6.70.
Marin County, CA
Marin County Code Chapter 6.70 prohibits loud or persistent animal noise that disturbs the peace of neighbors, and Title 8 (Animals) allows Marin Humane to e...
Marin County, CA
Marin County Code §6.70.030(5) limits loud noise-generating construction equipment to 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday only. General construction is permit...
San Rafael, CA
San Rafael's noise ordinance is Chapter 8.13 of the Municipal Code. General noise-limit violations are enforced under Section 8.13.050. For residential power...
Marin County, CA
Marin County Code Chapter 15.36 regulates vehicle parking on unincorporated streets. MCC §15.36.030 enforces the California 72-hour street parking limit, and...
Marin County, CA
Recreational fires and outdoor fire pits in Marin County must comply with the Marin County Fire Code (Title 16) and California Fire Code. Open burning is gen...
Marin County, CA
Most of unincorporated Marin County is designated Wildland-Urban Interface under the Marin County Fire Code (Title 16). WUI properties must meet Chapter 7A c...
See how San Rafael's chickens & livestock rules stack up against other locations.
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