Marin County, CA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Chapter
- Marin County Dev. Code Title 22, Ch. 22.32
- Small Animal Limit
- Up to 12 fowl and/or 12 rabbits (by-right)
- Roosters
- Included in 'small animals' definition; generally discouraged/restricted in residential zones – check zone-specific standards
- Permitted Residential Zones
- RSP, RMP, RMPC, RA, RE, RR, R1, R2
- Above-Limit Keeping
- Requires Use Permit
- Large Livestock
- Separately defined; corral/enclosure required
- Coop Definition
- Structure enclosing chickens on all sides, above and below
Summary
In unincorporated Marin County, the Development Code (Title 22, Chapter 22.32) permits the keeping of up to 12 fowl and/or 12 rabbits or similar small animals as 'Livestock Operations, Small Animals.' Large livestock (cattle, goats, sheep, hogs) and equestrian uses are separately defined and zone-restricted.
Livestock Operations, Small Animals. The raising or keeping of up to 12 fowl and/or 12 rabbits or similar animals. Excludes commercial hog raising, dairying, and larger livestock operations. Chicken Coop. A structure designed to completely enclose chickens on all sides as well as below and above.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 2026 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Marin County Development Code Title 22 defines 'Livestock Operations, Small Animals' as the raising or keeping of up to 12 fowl and/or 12 rabbits or similar animals, excluding commercial hog raising, dairying, and larger livestock operations. Chickens, ducks, exotics, geese, guinea fowl, peacocks, rabbits, roosters, miniature goats, potbellied pigs, and similar animals are addressed in the same general small-animal category. Chickens are permitted in residential zones including RSP, RMP, RMPC, RA, RE, RR, R1, and R2, and the 12-fowl cap may be exceeded only with a discretionary use permit.
'Livestock Operations, Large Animals' covers cattle, goats, ostriches, sheep, hogs and similar farm animals in corrals or enclosures (excluding horses, donkeys, mules, and ponies, which are addressed separately). , chicken coops, defined as 'a structure designed to completely enclose chickens on all sides as well as below and above') and density. Property owners with confirmed livestock losses to predators may also use the County's Livestock Protection Program under the Department of Agriculture.
Violations & Fines
Keeping animals in excess of the 12-fowl / 12-rabbit small-animal threshold without a use permit, or in a zone where the use is not permitted, is a zoning violation enforced by the Community Development Agency: notice of violation, administrative fines, and an order to remove animals or apply for a use permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many chickens can I keep in unincorporated Marin County?
Are roosters allowed?
Can I keep goats or sheep on a residential lot?
What if a coyote or mountain lion kills my livestock?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Marin County
How Marin County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·California rules heatmap·Compare Marin County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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