Santa Barbara, CA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Backyard chickens are permitted in the City of Santa Barbara under Municipal Code Chapter 6.08 (Care and Keeping of Animals), Section 6.08.010. Keeping two or fewer rabbits, chickens, or fowl as pets (not for commercial or breeding purposes) is exempt from the detailed conditions. Above that, numeric limits depend on the lot's zoning: no more than 15 rabbits, chickens, or fowl (or any combination) may be kept on premises in denser residential zones (R-4, R-3, R-2, R-1, E-3, E-2 under Title 28, or R-MH, R-M, R-2, RS-7.5, RS-10 under Title 30); and no more than 30 may be kept in larger-lot zones (E-1, A-2, A-1 under Title 28, or RS-15, RS-25, RS-1a under Title 30). All rabbits, chickens, fowl, and racing or homing pigeons must be kept in cages, hutches, or coops maintained in a clean and sanitary condition at all times. Any such structure must be located outside the front yard, at least 100 feet from any property used as a school, park, hospital, or similar institution, and at least 35 feet from any dwelling or structure used for human habitation on an adjoining lot. Roosters are prohibited citywide. These rules are City-specific and differ from Santa Barbara County's separate Chapter 7 fowl regulations.