Chickens & Livestock: Burbank vs Los Angeles
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Burbank, CA and Los Angeles, CA?
Los Angeles 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 →Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
LAMC 53.00 and zoning regulations allow keeping chickens in most residential zones. Roosters are prohibited in single-family residential zones. A maximum of one rooster is allowed in agricultural zones. Livestock such as horses and goats are generally restricted to lots of 17,500+ sq ft in A1/A2 zones. The number of allowed animals varies by lot size and zone.
View full Los Angeles rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burbank | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Roosters | Crowing roosters banned w/o permit | Prohibited in R1 zones |
| Bird/Fowl Limit | 25 combined (BMC 5-1-304) | - |
| Pygmy Goats | 1 max, permit required (BMC 5-1-308) | - |
| Hens | - | Allowed in most residential zones |
| Livestock | - | A1/A2 zones, 17,500+ sq ft lots |
| Code Section | - | LAMC 53.00, 12.05 |
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).
Los Angeles FAQ
Can I keep chickens in my backyard in LA?
Yes, in RA, RE, RS, R1, RU, and RZ zones for noncommercial purposes. No permit is required, and there is no specified maximum number.
Are roosters legal in Los Angeles?
Yes. The LAMC does not prohibit roosters, though Animal Services may intervene if noise constitutes a nuisance.
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