Chickens & Livestock: Burbank vs Santa Monica
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Burbank, CA and Santa Monica, CA?
Santa Monica 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 →Santa Monica, CA
Los Angeles County
Backyard chickens are allowed in Santa Monica with restrictions. Roosters are prohibited in residential areas due to noise. Livestock keeping is restricted by zoning district. The city enforces sanitary maintenance standards.
View full Santa Monica rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burbank | Santa Monica |
|---|---|---|
| Roosters | Crowing roosters banned w/o permit | Prohibited in residential zones |
| Bird/Fowl Limit | 25 combined (BMC 5-1-304) | - |
| Pygmy Goats | 1 max, permit required (BMC 5-1-308) | - |
| Hens | - | Allowed with restrictions |
| Livestock | - | Zoning-dependent |
| Maintenance | - | Sanitary 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).
Santa Monica FAQ
Can I keep chickens in Santa Monica?
Santa Monica does not have specific provisions permitting chickens in residential zones. Contact the Planning Department for current zoning interpretation.
Can I keep bees in Santa Monica?
Yes. Up to 2 hives on single-family residential property, registered with Animal Control, with siting requirements per SMMC Chapter 4.04.
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