Los Angeles Quick Summary
Limit: Up to 6 hens · Roosters: Prohibited in residential zones · Permit: Not required (A zone may differ) · Setback: Varies by zone — 35 ft typical from neighboring structures · Code: LAMC § 53.50
Los Angeles Backyard Chicken Rules
Los Angeles Municipal Code § 53.50 governs the keeping of poultry in the city. The key provision: up to 6 hens are permitted on single-family residential lots in most residential zones (R-1 through R-4) without a permit. Roosters are prohibited in all residential zones under LAMC § 53.54 (fowl running at large / nuisance) read in conjunction with the city's noise ordinance.
Los Angeles is notably large and contains zones ranging from dense urban (where 6-hen limits apply) to agricultural-residential areas in the far San Fernando Valley and outer districts where livestock rules are more permissive. Always verify your specific zone using the LA City Zoning Map (zonein.lacity.org).
LA's Unique Zoning Complexity
Los Angeles has over 30 distinct residential zoning designations. The standard 6-hen allowance applies to R-1 through R-4 zones. Agricultural zones (A-1, A-2) in areas like Chatsworth, Sunland-Tujunga, and parts of the San Fernando Valley have much more permissive livestock rules and different setback requirements. If your parcel is A-zoned, you may keep significantly more animals.Key Rules at a Glance
- Maximum 6 hens in standard residential zones (R-1 to R-4)
- Roosters are prohibited in all residential zones
- No city permit required for 6 or fewer hens in residential zones
- Enclosure must be at least 35 feet from any neighboring dwelling in most R zones
- Hens must be kept in a secure enclosure — no free-ranging unsupervised
- Feed must be stored in rodent-proof containers
- Enclosures must be maintained odor-free at property line
| Rule | Detail | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flock limit | 6 hens (R-1–R-4) | A-1/A-2 zones more permissive | LAMC § 53.50 |
| Roosters | Prohibited | Nuisance + noise ordinance enforcement | LAMC § 53.54 |
| Permit | Not required | For residential zones only | LAMC § 53.50 |
| Setback | 35 ft from neighboring structure | Varies; verify for your zone | LAMC § 12.xx (zone standards) |
| Enclosure | Secure, covered required | No minimum sq ft specified | LAMC § 53.50 |
How Los Angeles Compares to Nearby Cities
| City | Limit | Permit | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 6 hens | None required | 35 ft from structure |
| Long Beach | 4 hens | Permit required | 25 ft from property line |
| San Diego | Up to 25 hens (permit) | Use permit required | 20 ft from structure |
| Pasadena | 4 hens | No permit | 25 ft from property line |
| Santa Monica | 4 hens | No permit | Rear yard only |
| Glendale | 4 hens | Permit required | 20 ft setback |
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the LA City Zone Information & Map Access System at zimas.lacity.org — enter your address and look for the "Zone" field. R-1 through R-4 are standard residential. A-1 and A-2 are agricultural residential with more permissive livestock rules.
The 35-foot setback in LA's standard residential zones applies to neighboring dwelling structures — not your own home. However, practical placement considerations (odor, noise) usually mean you'd want the coop toward the rear of your lot regardless. Verify the exact setback language for your specific zone designation at ZIMAS.
Ducks are covered under LAMC § 53.50's 'domestic fowl' definition and count against the same 6-bird limit as chickens. Female ducks (no drakes for noise reasons) in the same 6-bird total allowance apply. LA's dense residential environment makes duck water management challenging — the standing water and odor issues that lead to nuisance complaints are amplified in smaller LA lots.
The Hollywood Hills fall within standard LA city limits and standard R-1 zoning in most areas — same 6-hen, no-permit rules apply. However, some hillside areas have Hillside Area (HA) overlay designations that modify standard zoning. Check ZIMAS for your parcel specifically.
Related Guides
State GuideCalifornia Livestock LawsAll major CA cities covered.National GuideChicken Ordinances NationallyHow LA compares to other cities.ToolSetback CalculatorCheck if your lot meets LA's 35-ft requirement.
Disclaimer: Ordinances change. Always verify current rules with Los Angeles's Planning or Zoning department before acquiring any animals.