Sonora Chickens & Livestock Rules (2026) — What You Need to Know

The Sonora City Council adopted a livestock ordinance allowing residents to raise chickens and other small animals on residential land within city limits. Density depends on lot size: parcels under half an acre may keep up to 3 small, non-hoofed animals (such as chickens or rabbits). Parcels under 1 acre can keep 1–2 chickens, and parcels of 1 acre or more can keep at least 12. Roosters are strictly prohibited due to noise concerns. All livestock must be raised outdoors in a clean and sanitary manner and confined within the owner's property. Animal housing structures (stalls, barns, sheds, corrals) must maintain a minimum 25-foot setback from property lines. Slaughtering is permitted only for non-hoofed animals and must be conducted indoors; meat produced cannot be sold commercially. Egg sales are permitted, but only from the parcel where eggs are produced. Enforcement is complaint-driven — city officials do not proactively patrol for violations.