Chickens & Livestock: Midway City vs Newport Beach
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Midway City, CA and Newport Beach, CA?
Midway City has fewer restrictions than Newport Beach.
Midway City, CA
Orange County
Unincorporated Orange County allows up to 4 hens on qualifying residential properties with a $57 Residential Backyard Chicken Permit effective November 2021. Roosters and other poultry are prohibited. Livestock is permitted separately on agriculturally zoned properties.
View full Midway City rules →Newport Beach, CA
Orange County
Newport Beach restricts the keeping of chickens and livestock in most residential zoning districts. Chickens, roosters, and other poultry are generally prohibited in standard residential zones, with limited allowances in agricultural or large-lot residential areas.
View full Newport Beach rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Midway City | Newport Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Hen Limit | 4 hens maximum (residential) | - |
| Roosters | Prohibited in residential | Prohibited in all residential zones |
| Permit Fee | $57 | - |
| Coop Setback | 30 feet from neighbor home | - |
| Effective Date | November 1, 2021 | - |
| Standard Residential | - | Chickens/livestock generally prohibited |
| Nuisance | - | Noise, odor, vermin must be controlled |
| OC Animal Care | - | (714) 935-6848 |
| Code Enforcement | - | (949) 644-3215 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Midway City FAQ
Can I keep chickens in unincorporated Orange County?
Yes, up to 4 hens with a $57 Residential Backyard Chicken Permit on qualifying single-family residential properties. Roosters, ducks, geese, turkeys, and other poultry are not allowed under the residential permit.
What are the requirements for a chicken coop in unincorporated OC?
Coops must be located at least 30 feet from any house on an adjacent property. You need a site plan and proof of training. The permit costs $57 and applies only to owner-occupied properties with qualifying zoning.
Newport Beach FAQ
Can I keep chickens in Newport Beach?
In most standard residential zoning districts, chickens and other poultry are prohibited. Limited poultry keeping may be allowed in areas zoned for agricultural or equestrian uses. Contact Community Development at (949) 644-3200 to verify what is allowed on your property.
Are roosters allowed anywhere in Newport Beach?
Roosters are prohibited in all residential areas of Newport Beach due to the noise they produce. This applies even in zones where hens may be permitted.
Who handles animal complaints in Newport Beach?
Newport Beach contracts with the Orange County Animal Care facility for animal control services. Contact OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 for animal complaints, or Newport Beach Code Enforcement at (949) 644-3215 for zoning violations.
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