Chickens & Livestock: Carson vs Long Beach
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Carson, CA and Long Beach, CA?
Long Beach has fewer restrictions than Carson.
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 →Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
Backyard chickens are permitted in Long Beach residential zones with restrictions. Roosters are generally prohibited in residential areas. Livestock keeping depends on zoning district and lot size requirements.
View full Long Beach rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carson | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Hens | - | Allowed in residential zones |
| Roosters | - | Prohibited in residential areas |
| Livestock | - | Zoning-dependent |
| Enclosure | - | Must be maintained and sanitary |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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).
Long Beach FAQ
Can I keep chickens in Long Beach?
Yes, with restrictions. One fowl may be kept as a pet with a 20-foot setback. Five or more chickens require a permit from Animal Care Services with 50-foot setbacks from neighboring dwellings and 10 sq ft per bird per LBMC 6.20.
Are roosters allowed in Long Beach?
No. Crowing fowl are prohibited under LBMC 6.20.040. Only hens may be kept in the city.
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