Chickens & Livestock: Brentwood vs Martinez
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Brentwood, CA and Martinez, CA?
Brentwood has fewer restrictions than Martinez.
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 →Martinez, CA
Contra Costa County
Martinez allows up to six hens on residential lots in most single-family zones, with no roosters permitted. Coops must be set back at least 10 feet from property lines and 25 feet from neighboring dwellings, maintained in sanitary condition, and provide adequate shelter. Slaughter on residential properties is prohibited. No permit is required for compliant small-flock keeping.
View full Martinez rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Brentwood | Martinez |
|---|---|---|
| Residential limit | ~4-6 hens typical | - |
| Roosters | Prohibited in residential | - |
| Coop setback (structures) | ~15-25 ft | - |
| Coop setback (property line) | ~5-10 ft | - |
| Ag zones | No hen limit, roosters OK | - |
| - | - |
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.
Martinez FAQ
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