Trinity County, CA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Trinity County is a rural mountain county with no incorporated cities, and agriculture (cattle, horses, poultry) is common in valleys like Hayfork and Hyampom. The County's animal control chapter (Title 6, Chapter 6.04) does not set a specific limit on backyard chickens or list distance/setback rules for coops; those land-use questions are handled through the County's zoning code (Title 17) and the parcel's zoning district. The general animal rules that do apply come from Trinity County Code Section 6.04.050: it is unlawful for the owner or possessor of any animal to allow it to enter upon the land of another without permission, and unlawful to allow an animal to disturb the peace by loud and unreasonable noise. A written affirmation by two unrelated persons with separate residences that their peace is unreasonably disturbed is prima facie evidence of a noise violation. Because the county code does not cap hen numbers or address roosters specifically, the practical limits on backyard poultry are the zoning of the property, nuisance/trespass rules, and California animal-welfare law. Owners considering chickens or other small livestock should confirm the zoning of their parcel with Trinity County Planning and keep animals confined to their own property.