Chickens & Livestock: Brentwood vs Concord
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Brentwood, CA and Concord, CA?
Brentwood has fewer restrictions than Concord.
Brentwood, CA
Contra Costa County
Backyard chickens are permitted in Brentwood on most residential lots, with limits commonly of 4-6 hens, no roosters, and coop setbacks from neighboring structures. Agricultural-zoned parcels have no hen limit. Under BMC Title 17, coops must be kept sanitary and meet setback requirements from property lines.
View full Brentwood 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 | Brentwood | Concord |
|---|---|---|
| Residential limit | ~4-6 hens typical | - |
| Roosters | Prohibited in residential | Prohibited |
| Coop setback (structures) | ~15-25 ft | - |
| Coop setback (property line) | ~5-10 ft | - |
| Ag zones | No hen limit, roosters OK | - |
| Hen Limit | - | Typically 4–6 per residential lot |
| Coop Setback | - | ~10 ft property line / 25 ft dwelling |
| Slaughter | - | Prohibited on residential lots |
| Code Section | - | CMC Title 18 / Chapter 6 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Brentwood FAQ
Can I have a rooster in Brentwood?
Not in residential zones. Roosters are only permitted on parcels zoned A (Agricultural). In residential areas, roosters are considered a noise nuisance under BMC Chapter 9.32 and Title 17.
Do I need a permit for a chicken coop?
A building permit is required for coops over 120 sq ft (standard accessory structure threshold). Smaller coops don't need a building permit but still must meet zoning setback requirements.
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.
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