Is Backyard Chickens Legal in California? (2026)
Yes — Backyard Chickens are legal in California as of 2026.
Law changed in 2025: Assembly Bill 928, introduced in February 2025, proposes to limit the number of roosters. A statewide quarantine on poultry imports was in effect as of March 2026.
Quick Answer
Backyard Chickens are legal in California. Assembly Bill 928, introduced in February 2025, proposes to limit the number of roosters.
What the Law Says
While no state law bans backyard chickens, California local ordinances are common and vary widely, regulating flock size, coop construction, and often banning roosters in residential areas.
— California Agriculture & Animal Code (Justia)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| State Regulations | Legal under state law; local ordinances vary widely |
| Local Ordinance Rules | Legal to sell chickens and supplies |
| Violation Penalties | Violations of local ordinances may result in fines or required removal of chickens. |
| Pending Legislation | None known |
Assembly Bill 928, introduced in February 2025, proposes to limit the number of roosters. A statewide quarantine on poultry imports was in effect as of March 2026.
Enforcement Reality
Enforcement is highly localized, with cities like San Diego, Los Angeles, and Citrus Heights having their own specific ordinances. The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) handles statewide quarantine and import regulations.
A common mistake is not knowing the specific local ordinance for flock size, which often depends on lot size. Another is being unaware of strict local prohibitions on roosters.
Local Exceptions
None identified. State law applies uniformly across California. Local ordinances may still vary — check with your city or county government for any additional rules.
Bottom Line
Backyard Chickens are legal in California. You can keeping backyard chickens without violating state law, though federal rules and local ordinances may still apply. Always verify current law before acting.
California vs. the Rest of the US
Across the US, keeping backyard chickens is fully legal in 41 states, restricted in 9, and illegal in 0. California falls in the LEGAL category.
View the full 50-state map →Neighboring States
Laws change at state lines. Here is how bordering states compare on Backyard Chickens:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is keeping backyard chickens legal in California?
Can you keep backyard chickens in California?
Interactive Tools
See your overall risk score for California based on all your activities.
Get Risk Score →See how Backyard Chickens laws change if you relocate from California.
Relocation Analyzer →Check if Backyard Chickens laws change at state borders on your route.
Plan Your Trip →Get Backyard Chickens Legal Updates
Get notified when backyard chickens laws change in any state.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Reviewed by cross-referencing the cited state statute against current legislative databases and regulatory publications.
Sources & Verification
This page was reviewed by Ethan Harper by comparing the legal status against the cited state statute. AllowedHere is an informational resource and does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Comprehensive California Legal Guides
Explore all related legal topics in California — statutes, penalties, and enforcement in one place.