Chickens & Livestock: Concord vs Richmond
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Concord, CA and Richmond, CA?
Concord and Richmond have similar restriction levels.
Concord, CA
Contra Costa County
Backyard chickens are permitted in Concord on residential lots, typically limited to 4–6 hens with no roosters allowed. Coops must be set back from property lines and maintained in sanitary condition. Slaughter on-site is generally prohibited and roosters are banned due to noise concerns.
View full Concord rules →Richmond, CA
Contra Costa County
Richmond allows up to 6 hens in residential backyards with no roosters permitted. Coops must be set back at least 10 feet from any dwelling on neighboring property and kept clean to prevent odor and rodents. No permit required for basic backyard flocks; larger operations may require zoning review.
View full Richmond rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Concord | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Hen Limit | Typically 4–6 per residential lot | - |
| Roosters | Prohibited | - |
| Coop Setback | ~10 ft property line / 25 ft dwelling | - |
| Slaughter | Prohibited on residential lots | - |
| Code Section | CMC Title 18 / Chapter 6 | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Concord FAQ
How many chickens can I keep in Concord?
Typically 4 to 6 hens per single-family residential lot. Check current Development Code limits and your HOA CC&Rs.
Can I have a rooster?
No. Roosters are prohibited due to crowing noise that violates the city's nuisance ordinance.
Do I need a permit for a chicken coop?
Coops under the city's shed-exemption threshold (often 120 sq ft) may not need a building permit but must still meet zoning setback requirements.
Richmond FAQ
Can I keep a rooster if my lot is large?
No. Roosters are prohibited in Richmond residential zones regardless of lot size due to noise.
Can I sell eggs from my backyard hens?
Small-scale incidental sales are generally allowed under the California Cottage Food/Homemade Food Act framework, but commercial sales require zoning review.
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