Chickens & Livestock: Carmichael vs Rancho Cordova
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Carmichael, CA and Rancho Cordova, CA?
Carmichael and Rancho Cordova have similar restriction levels.
Carmichael, CA
Sacramento County
Sacramento County allows backyard chickens in most residential zones: up to 6 hens on lots under 10,000 sq ft, no roosters in RD zones. Coops must be set back 20 feet from dwellings on adjacent parcels.
View full Carmichael rules βRancho Cordova, CA
Sacramento County
Rancho Cordova allows backyard hens on single-family residential lots with coop setbacks. Roosters are generally prohibited in residential zones. Typical limit is 4 to 6 hens depending on lot size.
View full Rancho Cordova rules βKey Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carmichael | Rancho Cordova |
|---|---|---|
| Residential max | 6 hens | - |
| Roosters | Banned in RD zones | Prohibited in residential |
| Setback | 20 ft from neighbor dwelling | - |
| AR/AG zones | No numeric limit | - |
| Permit | Not required under limit | - |
| Hen Limit | - | Typically 4 to 6 |
| Coop Setback | - | 10 feet from line |
| Dwelling Setback | - | 25 feet |
| Sanitation | - | Required by vector control |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Carmichael FAQ
Can I keep a rooster in a Fair Oaks subdivision?
Only if zoned AR or AG. Standard RD residential zoning prohibits roosters.
Do I need a permit for a backyard coop?
No permit is required if the structure is under 120 sq ft and meets setbacks, but a building permit applies to larger coops.
Rancho Cordova FAQ
Can I have a rooster?
No, not in standard residential zones. Roosters are limited to agricultural-residential or rural zones with larger lots.
Who enforces this in Rancho Cordova?
Rancho Cordova code enforcement at (916) 851-8800 handles most complaints.
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