Santa Ana Chickens & Livestock Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Santa Ana Municipal Code Chapter 5 and the city's comprehensive zoning code establish the regulatory framework for keeping animals within the city limits. As Orange County's most populous city and its county seat, Santa Ana's dense urban fabric — approximately 12,000 people per square mile — drives a restrictive approach to livestock and poultry keeping that prioritizes residential quality of life, public health, and sanitation.

Roosters are categorically prohibited on all residential properties within Santa Ana. The prohibition is rooted in noise control: a rooster's crowing, which can exceed 90 decibels at close range and begins well before dawn, is incompatible with the city's tightly spaced residential neighborhoods where homes are often separated by fewer than 10 feet. Hens may be kept in limited numbers on single-family residential lots that meet the city's minimum requirements. The standard allowance is a maximum of 5 hens on a qualifying parcel, though the exact number may vary depending on lot size and zoning district. Hen-keeping requires a fully enclosed coop that prevents the birds from roaming freely onto neighboring properties. The coop must be set back at least 20 feet from the keeper's own dwelling and at least 35 feet from any dwelling on an adjacent property. These setback requirements are designed to minimize noise, odor, and pest impacts on neighbors.

All poultry enclosures must be constructed of durable, predator-resistant materials and maintained in a continuously clean and sanitary condition. Accumulated manure, decaying feed, and standing water must be removed frequently to prevent fly breeding, rodent attraction, and offensive odors. The Santa Ana Code Enforcement Division responds to neighbor complaints regarding unsanitary animal-keeping conditions and has the authority to issue administrative citations and order the removal of animals from properties where conditions constitute a public nuisance.

Large livestock — including horses, goats, sheep, pigs, cattle, llamas, and similar farm animals — are prohibited on standard residential lots in Santa Ana. The city's residential zoning districts do not accommodate the space, waste management, and infrastructure requirements associated with keeping large animals. Properties with rare agricultural or equestrian zoning designations within the city may have different allowances, but such zoning is extremely limited. Residents who wish to keep animals beyond the basic hen allowance should contact the Santa Ana Planning and Building Agency at (714) 647-5804 to determine the specific animal-keeping restrictions applicable to their parcel and zoning district.

Santa Ana also participates in Orange County's animal control services through OC Animal Care, which handles licensing, stray animal pickup, and complaints related to animal welfare and nuisance conditions. OC Animal Care can be reached at (714) 935-6848.