Los Angeles vs San Diego
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and San Diego, CA?
Los Angeles and San Diego have similar restriction levels.
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 →San Diego, CA
San Diego County
San Diego permits up to 5 chickens (hens only, no roosters) on single-family lots under SDMC Section 42.0709. Coop must be in the rear yard, 5 feet from side property lines and 13 feet from rear. Larger livestock (goats, sheep) allowed on lots of 1 acre or more with additional setbacks.
View full San Diego rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Los Angeles | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Hens | Allowed in most residential zones | - |
| Roosters | Prohibited in R1 zones | Prohibited |
| Livestock | A1/A2 zones, 17,500+ sq ft lots | - |
| Code Section | LAMC 53.00, 12.05 | SDMC 42.0709 |
| Chickens Allowed | - | Up to 5 hens |
| Side Setback | - | 5 feet |
| Rear Setback | - | 13 feet |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
San Diego FAQ
Can I keep chickens in San Diego?
Yes, up to 5 hens on single-family lots. No roosters. Coop must be in the rear yard, 5 feet from side property lines and 13 feet from rear under SDMC 42.0709.
Can I keep goats in San Diego?
Goats and larger livestock are permitted on lots of 1 acre or more, with animals kept at least 50 feet from dwellings on adjacent lots.
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