Walnut Creek, CA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Backyard hens are a permitted accessory use in most of Walnut Creek's residential zones. Standard allowances permit 4-6 hens per single-family lot, with some larger-lot zones allowing additional birds. Roosters are prohibited in standard residential zones because of the 24-hour crowing noise and are only potentially allowed on larger rural-residential parcels. Coops and enclosed runs must be set back from property lines (typically 10-15 feet) and significantly further from neighboring dwellings (commonly 25 feet) to address odor, noise, and vermin concerns. Coops must be kept clean, dry, and rodent-resistant; manure cannot be allowed to accumulate in a manner that creates odor or attracts flies. Free-ranging hens must be contained within the owner's property — escapes into neighboring yards can trigger nuisance complaints. Slaughtering of chickens on residential property is generally prohibited. Egg sales from the residence are permitted in small volumes under California's Cottage Food Operation framework. Predator-proofing is strongly encouraged given Walnut Creek's active wildlife, including coyotes, raccoons, and red-tailed hawks.