Chickens & Livestock: Burbank vs Carson
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Burbank, CA and Carson, CA?
Burbank has fewer restrictions than Carson.
Burbank, CA
Los Angeles County
Chickens and small livestock are regulated by zone in Burbank. Roosters are generally prohibited in residential areas due to noise. No state ban exists on backyard poultry; the city regulates through zoning.
View full Burbank rules →Carson, CA
Los Angeles County
Carson is a contract city that uses LA County animal services and the County Animal Care & Control Ordinance (LA County Code Title 10, Division 1). Backyard chickens and livestock in Carson are constrained by Carson's zoning code (CMC Article IX, Chapter 1) which is dominated by R-1/R-2/MH and M-1/M-2 industrial districts — no Agricultural zone exists in Carson. Practical effect: small numbers of hens may be kept as accessory to a dwelling with significant setbacks from neighboring residences, but roosters, large livestock (horses, cattle, swine, goats), and commercial flocks are not permitted on standard residential lots.
View full Carson rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burbank | Carson |
|---|---|---|
| Hens | Allowed in some zones with restrictions | - |
| Roosters | Generally prohibited in residential | - |
| State Law | No state ban; cities regulate locally | - |
| Zoning | BMC Title 10 zoning governs | - |
| Carson agricultural zone? | - | None — no AG district in Carson zoning |
| Roosters allowed? | - | No (nuisance + zoning enforcement) |
| Large livestock (horses, cattle, goats, swine) | - | Not permitted on residential lots |
| Backyard hens | - | Limited; subject to nuisance, setback, and accessory-use rules |
| Governing codes | - | CMC Article IX Ch. 1 (Zoning); LA County Code Title 10 (Animals); Cal. Penal Code §597 |
| Enforcement | - | LA County Animal Care & Control + Carson Code Enforcement |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Burbank FAQ
How many chickens can I keep in Burbank?
Up to 25 chickens are allowed without a special permit under BMC 5-1-304. Roosters are not permitted.
Can I keep a goat in Burbank?
One pygmy goat is allowed per property with a permit under BMC 5-1-302. Standard goats may not be permitted.
Carson FAQ
Can I keep backyard chickens in Carson?
A small number of hens may be kept as accessory to a single-family dwelling, but Carson's R-1/R-2 zoning and LA County Code Title 10 nuisance rules limit flock size, prohibit roosters, and require coops set back from neighboring homes. Check with Carson Planning before adding birds.
Can I have a rooster, goat, or horse in Carson?
No. Carson has no Agricultural zoning district. Roosters create a nuisance under LA County Code Title 10 and Carson's noise ordinance (CMC Art. 4 Ch. 5), and larger livestock (horses, cattle, goats, sheep, swine) is not permitted on standard residential lots.
Who enforces animal complaints in Carson?
LA County Animal Care & Control (DACC) handles animal-specific complaints — barking, stray, nuisance, cruelty — under LA County Code Title 10. Carson Code Enforcement handles zoning-based violations (illegal coops, accessory structures, commercial animal keeping).
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