Can I keep chickens in Bakersfield, CA?
Yes, with conditions — Bakersfield allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. Roosters are prohibited. (Bakersfield Municipal Code Sec. 6.08.010, verified September 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop rules | Only Agricultural (A) and Residential-Suburban (R-S) zones allow chickens. Standard residential (R-1) zoning prohibits. City rescinded broader ordinance in 2021. |
| Code section | Bakersfield Municipal Code Sec. 6.08.010 |
Bakersfield restricts chicken keeping to Agricultural and Residential-Suburban zones only. Standard residential (R-1) zoning prohibits chickens. Broader ordinance was rescinded in 2021.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Bakersfield?
Yes, with conditions — Bakersfield allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Bakersfield Municipal Code Sec. 6.08.010).
How many chickens can I keep in Bakersfield?
It depends on your lot. Zone-dependent. Only A and R-S zones permit.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Bakersfield?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Bakersfield.
Are roosters allowed in Bakersfield?
No — roosters are prohibited in Bakersfield.
What law covers backyard chickens in Bakersfield?
Bakersfield Municipal Code Sec. 6.08.010. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Bakersfield Municipal Code Sec. 6.08.010 — read the official code
“Fowl keeping restricted to Agricultural (A) and Residential-Suburban (R-S) zones only” source
“It is unlawful for any person to keep or have under their care, custody or control... any chickens, ducks, geese, or poultry or fowl of any kind whatsoever, within the city, unless same are kept securely enclosed in a yard or pen at all times and that the property is within an agricultural zone or residential suburban zone, as said zones are defined in Title 17” source
Last verified September 13, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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