Chickens & Livestock: Burbank vs Downey
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Burbank, CA and Downey, CA?
Downey has fewer restrictions than Burbank.
Burbank, CA
Los Angeles County
Burbank bans crowing roosters on residential property and caps birds, fowl, rabbits, and chinchillas at 25 (combined) without a permit. Cows, goats (except one permitted pygmy goat), sheep, and most livestock are outright prohibited.
View full Burbank rules →Downey, CA
Los Angeles County
Downey allows up to 5 chickens, rabbits, or pigeons in any combination per lot (DMC 9514.02). Roosters are strictly prohibited. Up to 100 racing/homing pigeons allowed in R-1 zones with a CUP.
View full Downey rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burbank | Downey |
|---|---|---|
| Roosters | Crowing roosters banned w/o permit | Strictly prohibited |
| Bird/Fowl Limit | 25 combined (BMC 5-1-304) | - |
| Pygmy Goats | 1 max, permit required (BMC 5-1-308) | - |
| Limit | - | 5 total (chickens/rabbits/pigeons) |
| Racing Pigeons | - | Up to 100 with CUP in R-1 |
| Sanitation | - | Clean conditions required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Burbank FAQ
Can I keep backyard chickens in Burbank?
Yes, hens are allowed - up to 25 live birds/fowl combined on residential property without a permit (BMC 5-1-304). Crowing roosters are prohibited unless you obtain a Planning Commission-approved permit.
Are goats, cows, or sheep allowed?
Cows, calves, bulls, sheep, and goats are listed in BMC 5-1-301 as prohibited in the City. The only exception is one pygmy goat with a permit (BMC 5-1-308) or one Vietnamese potbellied pig under 100 lbs with a permit (BMC 5-1-307).
Downey FAQ
Can I keep chickens?
Many cities allow 4 to 6 hens with proper coop setbacks. Roosters are typically prohibited. Check Downey municipal code.
What about goats?
Usually restricted to agricultural or rural residential zones with minimum lot sizes.
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