Can I keep chickens in Anaheim, CA?
Yes — Anaheim allows backyard chickens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 50 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Anaheim Municipal Code Sec. 18.38.030 (.010, .0202, .050), verified September 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 1 per 0.001 sq ft |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 50 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 1,800 sq ft |
| Coop rules | One poultry, bird, rabbit or rodent per 1,800 sq ft of lot area (fractions of 0.5 or more round up). Birds may not be kept within 50 feet of any structure used for human habitation other than the owner's, or within 20 feet of any property line. Roosters and peacocks are not permitted in any residential zone. |
| Code section | Anaheim Municipal Code Sec. 18.38.030 (.010, .0202, .050) |
Anaheim allows chickens in residential zones at one bird per 1,800 square feet of lot area, with no fixed upper cap. Coops must be 50 feet from any neighbor's home and 20 feet from property lines. Roosters are prohibited in residential zones.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Anaheim?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Anaheim (Anaheim Municipal Code Sec. 18.38.030 (.010, .0202, .050)).
How many chickens can I keep in Anaheim?
It depends on your lot. 1 hen per 0.001 sq ft of lot area.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Anaheim?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Anaheim.
Are roosters allowed in Anaheim?
No — roosters are prohibited in Anaheim.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Anaheim?
50 feet minimum. One poultry, bird, rabbit or rodent per 1,800 sq ft of lot area (fractions of 0.5 or more round up). Birds may not be kept within 50 feet of any structure used for human habitation other than the owner's, or within 20 feet of any property line. Roosters and peacocks are not permitted in any residential zone.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Anaheim?
Yes — 1,800 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in Anaheim?
Anaheim Municipal Code Sec. 18.38.030 (.010, .0202, .050). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Anaheim Municipal Code Sec. 18.38.030 (.010, .0202, .050) — read the official code
“.010 Animal Maintenance - General. The keeping of animals for domestic, noncommercial use shall be permitted in residential zones, subject to the provisions of Chapter 8.24 (Adoption of Animal Control Ordinances of the County of Orange, California) and this section.” source
“One animal per 1,800 square feet of lot size is permitted for poultry keeping” source
“.050 Number of Poultry, Birds, Rabbits and Rodents. The number of poultry, birds, rabbits, and rodents shall not exceed one (1) animal per each eighteen hundred (1,800) square feet of the area of the lot upon which the animal is to be maintained; provided, however, that roosters and peacocks shall not be permitted in any residential zone, unless otherwise specified in the underlying zone. If this calculation results in 0.5 or more of an animal, the number shall be rounded up to the next whole animal.” source
“.0202 Distance. No equine, bovine, sheep, swine, goat or bird shall be kept, stabled, tethered, corralled or confined in any manner within fifty (50) feet of any structure used for human habitation, other than that of the owner, or within twenty (20) feet of any property line, except when kept in the dwelling.” 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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