City Ordinance Guide

Backyard Chicken Rules in Los Angeles, CA

Exact hen limits, permit requirements, coop setback distances, and HOA notes for Los Angeles, CA — in plain language, not legalese.

Updated: 2025Source: Los Angeles Municipal Code Sec. 53.50

📋 Los Angeles, CA — At a Glance

Hen Limit

No specific limit on smaller lots — nuisance rules apply; lots over 20,000 sq ft: up to 25

Permit Required

No permit required

Permit Fee

Free

Renewal

N/A

Setback — Property Line

35 ft from neighbor's dwelling

Setback — Neighbor's Home

35 ft from neighbor's dwelling

Roosters Allowed

Not permitted in most zones

Yard Requirement

Rear yard

Neighbor Notice

Not required

What the Ordinance Actually Means

Los Angeles's chicken rules (LAMC Section 53.50) are more complex than most cities. On lots under 20,000 sq ft, there is no specific hen limit — hens are allowed subject to general nuisance rules. On lots over 20,000 sq ft, up to 25 poultry are allowed. The 35-foot setback from neighboring dwellings is strict and is the most common compliance problem in LA's dense residential neighborhoods. Roosters are banned in most zones. LA Animal Services handles complaints; there is no proactive permit or inspection process.

Where to Apply for Your Permit

LA Animal Services — laanimalservices.com — 888-452-7381

Before going in person, call ahead to confirm current hours, whether online applications are accepted, and the exact documents required. Application requirements can change without updates to the city's public-facing website.

What You'll Need at Application

While requirements vary slightly by city, most Los Angeles, CA chicken permit applications require:

Completed application form (available from the office above or on the city's website)
A hand-drawn site plan showing your lot dimensions, house location, and proposed coop position with setback measurements to property lines and neighboring homes
Number of hens requested (do not exceed the city maximum)
Permit fee (cash, check, or card — confirm accepted payment methods)
Neighbor notification forms if required (see the At a Glance box above)

Coop Requirements in Los Angeles, CA

Most cities require coops to meet basic standards regardless of whether a formal permit is required:

Fully enclosed — walls, roof, and floor or predator-proof skirting
Predator-proof — hardware cloth (not chicken wire) over all openings; buried or skirted to prevent digging predators
Weather-tight — protects hens from rain, wind, and temperature extremes
Maintained — no accumulated waste, no visible rodent activity, no standing water
Located in the rear yard as specified above

Most Common Violations in Los Angeles, CA

The most frequent reasons people get cited for backyard chicken violations in this city: exceeding the hen limit, keeping a rooster, and coop setback violations. Measure your setbacks before building — not after.

FAQs — Los Angeles, CA

Can I have chickens in a rental property in Los Angeles, CA?

Possibly — if the city ordinance permits chickens in your zone and the property meets setback requirements. However, your landlord must also agree. Most lease agreements give landlords authority over animals kept on the property. Some cities explicitly require landlord written consent for chicken permits in rental properties.

What happens if I get a rooster by accident (wrong sexing from hatchery)?

Roosters are banned in Los Angeles, CA. If your hatchery provides a rooster when you ordered pullets, you'll need to rehome or return the bird before it begins crowing — typically at 4–6 months. Document the hatchery error in writing. Once a rooster begins crowing, neighbors will notice quickly.

My neighbor complained about my chickens. What happens next?

Animal control will typically make an initial visit to verify whether a violation exists. If your setup is compliant (correct hen count, no rooster, coop in required location, setbacks met), document that clearly during the inspection. If a violation is found, you'll typically receive a notice with a correction deadline before any fine is imposed.

Does the hen limit change if I have a larger lot?

In Los Angeles, CA, the hen limit as stated above applies to standard residential lots. Some cities do scale hen limits with lot size. Verify with the permit office whether your specific lot size qualifies for a higher limit.

Informational Only. Ordinances change. Always verify current requirements with LA Animal Services — laanimalservices.com — 888-452-7381 before acquiring chickens. Not legal advice.