Can I keep chickens in Los Angeles, CA?
Yes — Los Angeles allows backyard chickens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 35 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (LAMC 53.59, 53.71, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | No numeric cap |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 35 ft |
| Coop rules | Chickens 20 ft from owner's residence, 35 ft from neighbors' homes. Roosters limited to 1 per property. |
| Code section | LAMC 53.59, 53.71 |
Los Angeles allows unlimited hens with roosters limited to 1 per property. 20 ft from owner's residence, 35 ft from neighbors' homes.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Los Angeles?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Los Angeles (LAMC 53.59, 53.71).
How many chickens can I keep in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles sets no numeric cap on hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Los Angeles?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Los Angeles.
Are roosters allowed in Los Angeles?
No — roosters are prohibited in Los Angeles.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Los Angeles?
35 feet minimum. Chickens 20 ft from owner's residence, 35 ft from neighbors' homes. Roosters limited to 1 per property.
What law covers backyard chickens in Los Angeles?
LAMC 53.59, 53.71. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
LAMC 53.59, 53.71 — read the official code
“No more than one rooster per property in residential areas; hens allowed without specific limit” source
“Chickens must be kept 20 feet from owner's residence and 35 feet from neighboring residences” source
Last verified June 13, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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