Can I keep chickens in Riverside, CA?
Yes, with conditions — Riverside allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 50 hens where permitted). Coops must be at least 100 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Riverside Municipal Code, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 50 |
| Roosters | Allowed with conditions |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 100 ft |
| Coop rules | Tiered: 5 poultry at 50-ft setback OR 50 poultry at 100-ft setback. Limited roosters (7 max) only at 100 ft with soundproofing. Prohibited in R-3/R-4 zones. |
| Code section | Riverside Municipal Code |
Riverside allows poultry with tiered setback requirements: 5 birds at 50 feet or up to 50 birds at 100 feet from dwellings. Roosters (max 7) only permitted at 100-foot setback with soundproofing. Prohibited in higher-density residential zones.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Riverside?
Yes, with conditions — Riverside allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Riverside Municipal Code).
How many chickens can I keep in Riverside?
Up to 50 hens. Tiered by lot size: 5 up to 50,000 sq ft; 50 up to 500,000 sq ft. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Riverside?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Riverside.
Are roosters allowed in Riverside?
Yes, with conditions — see Riverside's rules (Riverside Municipal Code).
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Riverside?
100 feet minimum. Tiered: 5 poultry at 50-ft setback OR 50 poultry at 100-ft setback. Limited roosters (7 max) only at 100 ft with soundproofing. Prohibited in R-3/R-4 zones.
What law covers backyard chickens in Riverside?
Riverside Municipal Code. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Riverside Municipal Code — read the official code
“5 poultry at 50-foot setback or 50 poultry at 100-foot setback from dwellings” source
Last verified June 13, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
Reach people actively researching backyard chickens in their city. Founding sponsor slots now open.
Apply to become a sponsor →