Chickens & Livestock: Bakersfield vs Ridgecrest
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Bakersfield, CA and Ridgecrest, CA?
Bakersfield, CA
Kern County
Bakersfield permits backyard chickens (hens) in residential zones under BMC Title 17 subject to number limits and setback requirements. Roosters are generally prohibited in residential zones due to noise. Larger livestock (cows, horses, goats, pigs) are restricted to agricultural and estate zones with minimum parcel sizes. Coops and enclosures must be maintained in sanitary condition.
View full Bakersfield rules →Ridgecrest, CA
Kern County
No data available yet for Ridgecrest.
Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bakersfield | Ridgecrest |
|---|---|---|
| Hens Allowed | Yes, typically 3-6 in residential | - |
| Roosters | Prohibited in residential zones | - |
| Coop Setback | 10-20+ feet from property lines | - |
| Large Livestock | Estate/Ag zones only | - |
| Enforcement | Kern County Animal Services | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bakersfield FAQ
Can I keep backyard chickens in Bakersfield?
Yes, hens are generally allowed in residential zones under BMC Title 17, with typical limits of 3-6 hens and setback requirements for coops. Roosters are prohibited in R-1 and R-2 zones due to noise. Check your specific zoning district.
Can I keep horses or goats on my property?
Only in estate (E) or agricultural zoning districts with sufficient lot size. Horses typically require at least 1 acre and larger livestock need more land. Standard residential lots in Bakersfield do not allow these animals.
Ridgecrest FAQ
No FAQs available.
Compare other topics
See how Bakersfield and Ridgecrest 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