Chickens & Livestock: Santa Paula vs Ventura
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Santa Paula, CA and Ventura, CA?
Santa Paula has fewer restrictions than Ventura.
Santa Paula, CA
Ventura County
Santa Paula allows chickens and small livestock on residential lots with sufficient acreage. Standard residential lots may keep up to 6 hens (no roosters) without a permit. Larger lots and agricultural-zoned parcels allow additional poultry and livestock including goats, rabbits, and ducks.
View full Santa Paula rules →Ventura, CA
Ventura County
San Buenaventura allows backyard chicken keeping only after issuance of a Director's Permit (Animal Raising Permit) under SBMC §24.210.050.11. Hens are limited to four per lot, roosters are prohibited, and coops must sit at least 35 feet from any building used for human habitation other than the on-site dwelling. Livestock (cattle, horses, goats, swine) is not permitted in the R-1 residential zones; agricultural keeping is confined to A (Agricultural) zoning. The same code section requires a covered, predator-resistant coop kept outside the front yard setback. Slaughtering and on-site sale of chickens or eggs are expressly forbidden. Permit conditions are enforceable by the Community Development Director and may be revoked under SBMC Ch. 24.570 for nuisance, odor, noise, or rodent attraction complaints. Outside city limits, the Ventura County Zoning Ordinance governs livestock densities.
View full Ventura rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Santa Paula | Ventura |
|---|---|---|
| Hens (R-1) | Up to 6 without permit | - |
| Roosters | Prohibited in residential zones | Prohibited |
| Coop Setback | 20 feet from neighboring dwelling | - |
| Horses | 20,000+ sq ft lot required | - |
| Agricultural Zones | Broader livestock allowed | - |
| Code section | - | SBMC §24.210.050.11 |
| Max hens | - | 4 |
| Coop setback | - | 35 ft from neighboring dwellings |
| Coop location | - | Rear yard only |
| Permit | - | Director's Permit (Animal Raising) required |
| Sale/slaughter | - | Prohibited on-site |
| Animal services | - | Ventura County Animal Services (contract) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Santa Paula FAQ
Can I have chickens in Santa Paula?
Yes, up to 6 hens are allowed on standard residential lots without a permit. No roosters. Coops must be 20 feet from neighboring dwellings.
Can I have goats in Santa Paula?
Goats require a lot of 20,000+ square feet or agricultural zoning. Standard residential lots do not allow goats. Contact Community Development at (805) 933-4214.
What about horses?
Horses require a minimum 20,000 sq ft lot. Many Santa Paula properties with agricultural heritage may already have equestrian use rights.
Ventura FAQ
Can I keep chickens in my Ventura backyard?
Yes, up to four hens, but only after the Planning Division issues a Director's Permit for Animal Raising under SBMC §24.210.050.11. Roosters are not allowed.
How close to a neighbor's house can the coop be?
The coop must be at least 35 feet from any building used for human habitation other than your own dwelling, and it must be located in the rear yard outside the front-yard setback.
Can I sell eggs from my Ventura backyard flock?
No. Standard Director's Permit conditions prohibit on-site sale of chickens or eggs, and prohibit any slaughter on the property.
Are goats, pigs, or horses allowed?
Not in standard residential (R-1) zones. Livestock keeping is generally restricted to Agricultural (A) zones under Division 13 Zoning Regulations. Check with Planning before bringing larger animals onto a residential parcel.
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