Chickens & Livestock: Concord vs Walnut Creek
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Concord, CA and Walnut Creek, CA?
Concord and Walnut Creek 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 →Walnut Creek, CA
Contra Costa County
Walnut Creek permits backyard chickens in most residential zones with typical limits of 4-6 hens per lot, coops set back at least 10-15 feet from property lines and 25 feet from neighboring dwellings, and roosters are prohibited in standard single-family zones.
View full Walnut Creek rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Concord | Walnut Creek |
|---|---|---|
| Hen Limit | Typically 4–6 per residential lot | - |
| Roosters | Prohibited | Prohibited in standard residential |
| Coop Setback | ~10 ft property line / 25 ft dwelling | - |
| Slaughter | Prohibited on residential lots | - |
| Code Section | CMC Title 18 / Chapter 6 | - |
| Typical max hens | - | 4-6 per residential lot |
| Coop setback | - | 10-15 ft property line |
| Coop setback from dwellings | - | ~25 ft neighboring homes |
| Slaughtering | - | Prohibited in residential zones |
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.
Walnut Creek FAQ
Can I have chickens in my Walnut Creek backyard?
Yes, most residential zones allow 4-6 hens as an accessory use. You must comply with coop setbacks, keep the enclosure clean and rodent-resistant, and cannot keep roosters in standard residential zones.
Can I sell eggs from my backyard hens?
Small-volume egg sales from the home are permitted under California's Cottage Food Operation rules (AB 1616) with registration through the county. Commercial-scale sales require additional licensing.
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