Chickens & Livestock: Port Hueneme vs Simi Valley
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Port Hueneme, CA and Simi Valley, CA?
Port Hueneme and Simi Valley have similar restriction levels.
Port Hueneme, CA
Ventura County
Port Hueneme restricts livestock and poultry keeping under PHMC Article III, Chapter 1. Keeping chickens, roosters, goats, and other livestock in residential zones is subject to lot size, setback, and quantity limitations. Roosters are generally prohibited in residential areas.
View full Port Hueneme rules →Simi Valley, CA
Ventura County
To keep chickens or other farm animals in Simi Valley, the parcel must be inside the City's Animal (A) Overlay Zone (or the more restrictive Limited (L) Overlay Zone), or must be at least 20,000 square feet with a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) under Simi Valley Municipal Code § 9-44.060. Roosters are separately capped at four (4) per parcel under the adopted Ventura County Code § 4494-3, with a 40-foot setback from neighboring residences.
View full Simi Valley rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Port Hueneme | Simi Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Code | PHMC Article III, Chapter 1 | - |
| Roosters | Generally prohibited in residential zones | - |
| Lot Restrictions | Minimum lot size requirements apply | - |
| Animal Services | (805) 388-4341 | - |
| Primary Code | - | Simi Valley Municipal Code § 9-44.060 (Animal Keeping) |
| Overlay Zones | - | Animal (A) – all farm animals; Limited (L) – limited species only |
| Outside Overlay | - | Minimum 20,000 sq ft + CUP required |
| Hens in (L) Zone | - | Max 5; coop 3-6 sq ft per hen; max 6 ft coop height |
| Rooster Limit | - | Fewer than 5 per parcel (VCC § 4494-3) |
| Rooster Setback | - | Minimum 40 ft from neighboring residences |
| Tethering Roosters | - | Prohibited (VCC § 4494-4) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Port Hueneme FAQ
Can I keep chickens in Port Hueneme?
Hens may be allowed in limited numbers on qualifying residential lots under PHMC Article III, Chapter 1. Roosters are generally prohibited due to noise. Contact Code Compliance for current allowances.
Are goats allowed in Port Hueneme residential areas?
Livestock like goats are generally restricted in residential zones. The compact lot sizes in Port Hueneme make qualifying for livestock permits difficult. Contact Community Development for specifics.
What if my neighbor's chickens are creating a nuisance?
Report animal nuisance complaints to Animal Services at (805) 388-4341 or Code Compliance. Unsanitary conditions and noise from poultry can be cited.
Simi Valley FAQ
Can I keep backyard chickens in Simi Valley?
Only if your parcel is in an Animal Overlay Zone (A or L) under SVMC § 9-44.060, or you have a CUP on a parcel of at least 20,000 square feet. In the Limited (L) overlay, hens are capped at five per parcel with specific coop standards.
How many roosters can I have?
Fewer than five. Ventura County Code § 4494-3, adopted by Simi Valley, makes it unlawful to keep five or more roosters on any parcel and requires a 40-foot setback from neighboring residences.
Are roosters defined by age or by sound?
Under VCC § 4494-2(g), a 'rooster' is any male chicken that is six months or older, has full adult plumage, or is capable of crowing.
How do I know if my parcel is in an Animal Overlay Zone?
Contact the Simi Valley Planning Division (Environmental Services). The Animal (A) and Limited (L) overlays are identified on the City zoning map.
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