Can I keep chickens in Irvine, CA?
Yes — Irvine allows backyard chickens, up to 2 hens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 20 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Irvine Municipal Code, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 2 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 20 ft |
| Coop rules | Maximum 2 hens (4 total poultry/rabbits combined). 20-ft setback. Roosters banned. Subject to HOA restrictions. |
| Code section | Irvine Municipal Code |
Irvine permits a maximum of 2 hens (4 total poultry and rabbits combined). 20-foot setback required. Roosters are prohibited. Subject to HOA restrictions.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Irvine?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Irvine (Irvine Municipal Code).
How many chickens can I keep in Irvine?
Up to 2 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Irvine?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Irvine.
Are roosters allowed in Irvine?
No — roosters are prohibited in Irvine.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Irvine?
20 feet minimum. Maximum 2 hens (4 total poultry/rabbits combined). 20-ft setback. Roosters banned. Subject to HOA restrictions.
What law covers backyard chickens in Irvine?
Irvine Municipal Code. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Irvine Municipal Code — read the official code
“Maximum of two hens or four total poultry and rabbits combined” 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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