Can I have chickens in Sacramento, California?

Yes. Backyard chickens are allowed in Sacramento, California, but local limits, coop placement rules, nuisance rules, and any HOA restrictions still apply.

How many hens can I have in Sacramento?

Sacramento allows up to 3 hens under the rules reviewed for this page.

Do I need a permit for chickens in Sacramento?

Yes. Sacramento requires a permit or license for backyard chickens. The listed cost is $15 annual license per chicken + $30 annual coop permit.

Chicken Laws › California › Sacramento

Backyard Chickens in Sacramento, California

Q: Are roosters allowed in Sacramento?

No. Roosters are not allowed for ordinary backyard chicken keeping in Sacramento.

Chickens are legal in Sacramento — here's exactly what the ordinance requires.

Sacramento Chicken Laws — Quick Reference

Chickens allowed? Yes

Max hens allowed 3 hens

Roosters allowed? No

Permit required? Yes — coop permit + bird license

Permit cost $15 annual license per chicken + $30 annual coop permit

Coop setback

Coop/enclosure must be at least 20 ft from any dwelling unit on an adjacent parcel

Coop location

Hens must be confined in a pen, coop, cage, or enclosure at all times; rear yard only

Municipal code View ordinance ↗

Last verified May 2026

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What the Sacramento Rules Say

Sacramento allows a maximum of three hen chickens on a developed residential lot, but only with the required permit. Roosters are prohibited on residential lots.

The code requires hens to be confined in a pen, coop, cage, or other enclosure at all times. The enclosure must be in the rear yard and at least 20 feet from any dwelling unit on an adjacent parcel. Hens may not be kept in the front yard, may not create a noise disturbance audible on an adjoining lot, and may not be slaughtered on the property.

The city’s poultry license page lists an annual chicken license and annual coop permit.

What This Means in Plain English

Sacramento is friendly to very small flocks, but it is a permit-and-license city. Plan around three hens, no roosters, a rear-yard coop, and a 20-foot neighbor-dwelling setback.

Getting Started

Measure the rear-yard coop site from neighboring dwelling units.
Apply for the poultry license and coop permit.
Keep hens enclosed at all times.
Do not keep roosters.
Clean the coop frequently to prevent odor and pests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have chickens in Sacramento, CA?

Yes. Sacramento allows up to three hens on eligible residential lots with the required permit and licensing.

Are roosters allowed in Sacramento?

No. Roosters are prohibited on developed residential lots.

Recommended Setup for Sacramento's Rules

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Rodent-resistant feed storage that helps prevent pests, odors, and nuisance complaints.

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Verification Notice

This page was last verified against Sacramento's municipal code in May 2026. Ordinances change — always confirm current rules with your local city clerk before purchasing birds or building a coop.

View Sacramento Municipal Code ↗

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