Sutter County is largely agricultural and zoning is generally permissive of chickens and livestock outside city limits. Rules vary by zone — keeping is governed by the Zoning Code (Title 1500), with stricter setbacks in residential zones.
Sutter County's Zoning Code (Title 1500) sets where chickens, fowl, and other livestock may be kept and at what density. Agricultural (AG) and Rural Residential (RR) zones broadly allow chickens and many livestock species as permitted uses, while smaller-lot residential zones impose setbacks (typically from neighboring dwellings, property lines, and water sources) and may limit roosters. Article 19 of Title 1500 addresses agricultural buildings. As an unincorporated agricultural county dominated by rice, fruit, and nut production, Sutter has historically maintained relatively permissive livestock standards. Incorporated cities have their own narrower rules.
Violations are handled by Code Enforcement under the Zoning Code's general penalty provisions, typically as infractions or administrative citations. Repeat or unpermitted commercial operations can be cited under the use-permit process.
Sutter County, CA
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Sutter County, CA
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See how Sutter County's chickens & livestock rules stack up against other locations.
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