Santa Cruz, CA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum lot for farm animals
- 20,000 sq ft (SCMC 24.12.630)
- Max small farm animals/poultry
- 10 (2 large)
- Use permit trigger
- 1+ large or 7+ small animals
- Enclosure setback
- 40 ft from neighbor dwelling, 20 ft from property line
Summary
Under Santa Cruz zoning code 24.12.630, family farm animals (including poultry) may be kept only on a residential lot of at least 20,000 square feet - up to two large and ten small farm animals - and never run at large. Enclosures must sit at least 40 feet from a neighbor's dwelling and 20 feet from the owner's property line, and 7+ small animals require an administrative use permit.
In any R-District, or in conjunction with any residential uses in any other district, there may be kept on any lot of at least twenty thousand square feet in area, two large family farm animals and ten small family farm animals.
Full Breakdown
630(7)), with review of slope/runoff, manure removal, and noise impacts. 640 (one per 20,000 sq ft, 40,000 sq ft minimum lot, use permit required). 430 bars dogs from injuring livestock including chickens. 390.
Violations & Fines
Keeping farm animals on an undersized lot, without the required use permit, or with enclosures inside the setbacks is a zoning infraction (SCMC 4.04.010) subject to Code Compliance enforcement and administrative citations (SCMC Chapter 4.14).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep chickens in the City of Santa Cruz?
Are roosters allowed?
Can I keep a horse on my city lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Cruz
How Santa Cruz compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Cruz to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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