Santa Paula allows chickens and small livestock on residential lots with sufficient acreage. Standard residential lots may keep up to 6 hens (no roosters) without a permit. Larger lots and agricultural-zoned parcels allow additional poultry and livestock including goats, rabbits, and ducks.
Santa Paula's agricultural heritage makes it more permissive than many California cities regarding backyard animals. On standard residential lots (R-1), up to 6 hens are allowed without a permit — no roosters permitted due to noise. Coops must be at least 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling and 5 feet from property lines. Coops must be kept clean and sanitary to prevent rodents and flies. On lots of 20,000+ sq ft or agricultural-zoned parcels, additional poultry, goats, rabbits, ducks, and other small livestock are allowed subject to setback requirements. Horses require a minimum 20,000 sq ft lot. Larger livestock (cattle, pigs) require agricultural zoning. The city's agricultural context (citrus and avocado farming) means many properties already have agricultural use rights.
Roosters on standard residential lots are prohibited and result in an animal control complaint through Ventura County Animal Services at (805) 388-4341. Unsanitary conditions generate code enforcement violations with 10-day correction notices. Exceeding allowed animal counts results in a notice to reduce the number or obtain a conditional use permit.
Santa Paula, CA
Vehicle noise on public streets is governed by CA Vehicle Code §27007 (95 dBA exhaust limit). CVC preempts local ordinances for vehicles on public roads. SPM...
Santa Paula, CA
Santa Paula establishes maximum noise levels measured at the property line, with lower limits for residential zones and nighttime hours. Agricultural operati...
Santa Paula, CA
Santa Paula Airport (SZP) is a public general aviation airport managed by the City of Santa Paula. The airport has voluntary noise abatement procedures reque...
Santa Paula, CA
Santa Paula restricts construction activity in residential areas to 7 AM–7 PM Monday through Saturday. No construction work is permitted on Sundays or federa...
Santa Paula, CA
Santa Paula follows California AB 1236 requiring streamlined residential EV charger permitting. The city processes EV charging station installations through ...
Santa Paula, CA
Santa Paula regulates driveway parking to maintain safe access and neighborhood standards. Vehicles must not block sidewalks, and agricultural equipment park...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Ventura County.
See how other cities in Ventura County handle chickens & livestock.
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