Chickens & Livestock: Antioch vs Concord
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Antioch, CA and Concord, CA?
Antioch and Concord have similar restriction levels.
Antioch, CA
Contra Costa County
Antioch allows backyard chickens in residential zones with limits on quantity (typically 4-6 hens), a prohibition on roosters, coop setback requirements from property lines and dwellings, and sanitary maintenance standards to prevent odor and pest issues.
View full Antioch rules →Concord, CA
Contra Costa County
Backyard chickens are permitted in Concord on residential lots, typically limited to 4–6 hens with no roosters allowed. Coops must be set back from property lines and maintained in sanitary condition. Slaughter on-site is generally prohibited and roosters are banned due to noise concerns.
View full Concord rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Antioch | Concord |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Limit | 4–6 hens | - |
| Roosters | Prohibited in residential zones | Prohibited |
| Coop Setback | 10 ft from lot line, 25 ft from dwellings | ~10 ft property line / 25 ft dwelling |
| Slaughter | Prohibited on residential lots | Prohibited on residential lots |
| HOA Rules | May be stricter than city | - |
| Hen Limit | - | Typically 4–6 per residential lot |
| Code Section | - | CMC Title 18 / Chapter 6 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Antioch FAQ
Can I keep a rooster in my backyard?
No. Roosters are prohibited in Antioch residential zones due to crowing noise. Only hens are permitted, and only in the limited quantities set by zoning.
Do I need a permit to build a chicken coop?
Small coops under 120 sq ft typically don't require a building permit but must comply with setback requirements. Larger structures require a building permit. Check with Antioch Community Development for specifics.
Concord FAQ
How many chickens can I keep in Concord?
Typically 4 to 6 hens per single-family residential lot. Check current Development Code limits and your HOA CC&Rs.
Can I have a rooster?
No. Roosters are prohibited due to crowing noise that violates the city's nuisance ordinance.
Do I need a permit for a chicken coop?
Coops under the city's shed-exemption threshold (often 120 sq ft) may not need a building permit but must still meet zoning setback requirements.
Compare other topics
See how Antioch and Concord compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool