Chickens & Livestock: Sutter vs Yuba City
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Sutter, CA and Yuba City, CA?
Sutter has fewer restrictions than Yuba City.
Sutter, CA
Sutter County
Sutter County is largely agricultural and zoning is generally permissive of chickens and livestock outside city limits. Rules vary by zone — keeping is governed by the Zoning Code (Title 1500), with stricter setbacks in residential zones.
View full Sutter rules →Yuba City, CA
Sutter County
Yuba City allows residents on lots of one-half acre or less to keep chicken hens (no roosters), rabbits, guinea pigs, or similar small animals — not exceeding a combined total of twelve (12). Two pot-bellied pigs are allowed as pets, but no other hoofed animals on residential lots. Larger livestock requires a use permit on lots over 1/2 acre with 35-ft / 40-ft setbacks.
View full Yuba City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Sutter | Yuba City |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Code | Sutter County Zoning Code (Title 1500) | - |
| Most Permissive | AG and Rural Residential zones | - |
| Setbacks | Required in residential zones | - |
| Enforcement | Code Enforcement / Planning | - |
| Maximum hens (lots ≤ 1/2 acre) | - | 12 combined hens/rabbits/guinea pigs |
| Roosters allowed? | - | No — prohibited |
| Pot-bellied pigs | - | Up to 2 allowed as pets |
| Other hoofed livestock on residential lots | - | Not allowed |
| Setback for livestock on lots > 1/2 acre | - | 35 ft from lot line, 40 ft from any residence |
| Use permit required? | - | Yes, for >12 animals or any livestock on lots >1/2 acre |
| Kennels in residential districts | - | Prohibited |
| Code section | - | Yuba City Municipal Code §8-5.5001 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Sutter FAQ
Can I keep chickens in unincorporated Sutter County?
Generally yes, particularly in AG and Rural Residential zones. Smaller residential parcels have setback restrictions — check your specific zone in the County Zoning Code.
Are roosters allowed?
Allowed in agricultural zones; many residential zones limit or prohibit roosters through nuisance and setback provisions. Confirm with Planning before adding roosters.
Yuba City FAQ
Can I keep backyard chickens in Yuba City?
Yes. YCMC §8-5.5001 allows up to twelve (12) combined hens, rabbits, guinea pigs, or similar small animals on residential lots of one-half acre or less. Roosters are not allowed.
Why are there wild chickens running around Yuba City?
Yuba City has an estimated 1,000+ feral chickens descended from birds that escaped a 1950s livestock auction. The city's free-feeding prohibition (YCMC §4-12.480) is the primary tool used to discourage residents from sustaining the flock.
Can I keep goats, pigs, or a horse in my Yuba City backyard?
Generally no on standard residential lots. Two pot-bellied pigs are allowed as pets, but other hoofed animals (goats, sheep, horses, cattle) require an approved use permit and a parcel exceeding one-half acre with 35-ft and 40-ft setbacks.
Are roosters allowed?
No. YCMC §8-5.5001 expressly excludes roosters from the small-animal allowance. Crowing roosters can be cited under both zoning and noise nuisance authority.
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