Chickens & Livestock: El Monte vs Los Angeles
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between El Monte, CA and Los Angeles, CA?
Los Angeles has fewer restrictions than El Monte.
El Monte, CA
Los Angeles County
El Monte contracts animal-control enforcement to LA County Department of Animal Care & Control, so LA County Code Title 10 governs poultry and livestock. Roosters are tightly capped, and any keeping of livestock requires the land to be zoned for it.
View full El Monte rules →Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
LAMC 53.00 and zoning regulations allow keeping chickens in most residential zones. Roosters are prohibited in single-family residential zones. A maximum of one rooster is allowed in agricultural zones. Livestock such as horses and goats are generally restricted to lots of 17,500+ sq ft in A1/A2 zones. The number of allowed animals varies by lot size and zone.
View full Los Angeles rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Monte | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Enforcement agency | LA County Dept of Animal Care & Control (contract) | - |
| Governing code | LA County Code Title 10 + El Monte Title 17 (zoning) | - |
| Roosters | Capped per LACC §10.38; license required above cap | Prohibited in R1 zones |
| Baby chicks as gifts/prizes | Prohibited under LACC §10.20 (under 3 months) | - |
| Livestock (cows, goats, pigs) | Not permitted in El Monte R-zones | - |
| Hens | - | Allowed in most residential zones |
| Livestock | - | A1/A2 zones, 17,500+ sq ft lots |
| Code Section | - | LAMC 53.00, 12.05 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
El Monte FAQ
Can I keep backyard hens in El Monte?
El Monte's residential zoning code does not list poultry as a permitted accessory use in standard R-zones, and LA County Code Title 10 (which El Monte enforces by contract) restricts fowl sales and rooster keeping. Residents should contact El Monte Planning at 626-580-2001 before adding hens.
Are roosters allowed?
LA County Code Chapter 10.38 limits roosters per parcel; any number above the cap requires a license from LA County Animal Care & Control. Crowing roosters that disturb neighbors can also be cited under El Monte's noise nuisance provisions.
Who handles complaints about livestock in El Monte?
Call El Monte Animal Control at 626-580-2081 during business hours. After-hours and emergency calls (vicious animals, injured strays) go to LA County DACC.
Los Angeles FAQ
Can I keep chickens in my backyard in LA?
Yes, in RA, RE, RS, R1, RU, and RZ zones for noncommercial purposes. No permit is required, and there is no specified maximum number.
Are roosters legal in Los Angeles?
Yes. The LAMC does not prohibit roosters, though Animal Services may intervene if noise constitutes a nuisance.
Compare other topics
See how El Monte and Los Angeles compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool