Chickens & Livestock: Carson vs Pasadena
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Carson, CA and Pasadena, CA?
Pasadena 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 →Pasadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Pasadena allows backyard chickens in residential zones with restrictions. Roosters are generally prohibited. Livestock regulations vary by zone under Title 17. The Pasadena Humane Society handles animal control enforcement.
View full Pasadena rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carson | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pasadena Humane Society |
| Hens | - | Allowed in residential zones |
| Roosters | - | Generally prohibited |
| Livestock | - | Zone-dependent |
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).
Pasadena FAQ
How many chickens can I keep in Pasadena?
Up to 10 chickens are allowed under PMC 6.20. Roosters are prohibited. A free permit from Pasadena Humane may be required.
How far must a chicken coop be from my house?
At least 35 feet from any dwelling (unless your own), and not within any required zoning setback.
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