Backyard Chickens in Anaheim, California

Can you keep chickens in Anaheim?

Thinking about starting a backyard flock in Anaheim? The city allows hens under a lot-size-based density formula, so with the right setup, plenty of Anaheim homeowners keep a healthy home flock producing fresh eggs year-round.

Yes – with conditions

Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Anaheim. Under the Anaheim Municipal Code, keeping animals for domestic, noncommercial use is permitted in residential zones, subject to Chapter 8.24 and the standards in § 18.38.030 (Animal Keeping).

The code caps poultry density rather than setting a flat number: the number of poultry, birds, rabbits, and rodents may not exceed one (1) animal per each 1,800 square feet of lot area, with any fraction of 0.5 or more rounded up to the next whole animal (§ 18.38.030(.050)). However, roosters (and peacocks) are not permitted in any residential zone, unless the underlying zone specifies otherwise (§ 18.38.030(.050)).

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: No Set Limit
Roosters: No
Permit required: No
Permit cost: Not specified
Setback from property line: 50 ft.

Peggy knows Anaheim

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Per § 18.38.030(.020) of the Anaheim Municipal Code:

Confinement method: Animals (including poultry) must be tethered or maintained in coops, corrals, or other enclosures satisfactory to the Planning Department.
Setback from dwellings: No bird may be kept, stabled, tethered, or confined within 50 feet of any structure used for human habitation other than the owner's own home.
Setback from property lines: Birds may not be confined within 20 feet of any property line, except when kept inside the owner's dwelling.
Density limit: One poultry animal is allowed per each 1,800 sq ft of lot area (fractions of 0.5+ round up).
Roosters/peacocks: Prohibited in residential zones.

The City of Anaheim contracts animal care/enforcement services to Orange County Animal Care, and Chapter 8.24 adopts county animal control ordinances by reference alongside the city's own zoning rules.

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Anaheim

🌡️ Climate

USDA Hardiness Zone 10a/10b

Anaheim sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 10a/10b, meaning mild, largely frost-free winters and long, hot, dry summers typical of coastal-inland Southern California. Coop ventilation should be generous (extra square footage of vent space per bird) to help flocks handle summer heat, while winter cold-weather provisions are rarely needed.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkFoxCoyoteOpossum

Urban and suburban Anaheim flocks most commonly face raccoons, hawks, and opossums, with foxes and coyotes present in areas near open space, parks, or foothills. Secure, hardware-cloth enclosures with sturdy latches (rather than simple chicken wire) are strongly recommended to keep out these predators.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Leghorn, Rhode Island Red, Australorp, Easter Egger, Plymouth Rock — all tolerate heat well and are common choices for Southern California's warm, dry climate.

Our package comes with two Rhode Island Reds – hardy in heat and cold, and friendly with kids.

Questions people ask about Anaheim

▸How many chickens can I keep in Anaheim?

There's no flat numeric cap — instead, Anaheim's code allows one poultry animal per 1,800 square feet of lot area, rounding fractions of 0.5 or more up to the next whole bird (§ 18.38.030(.050)).

▸Are roosters allowed in Anaheim?

No. Anaheim's municipal code specifically prohibits roosters (and peacocks) in residential zones unless the underlying zone says otherwise.

▸Do I need a permit to keep hens in Anaheim?

The zoning code does not impose a separate poultry permit — keeping animals for personal, noncommercial use is a permitted residential use as long as density and setback rules are followed.

▸How far must a coop be from my neighbor's house?

Birds cannot be kept within 50 feet of any structure used for human habitation other than the owner's own home, and must also stay at least 20 feet from any property line.

▸Can I sell eggs from my Anaheim backyard flock?

The animal-keeping provision is limited to 'domestic, noncommercial use,' so commercial egg sales would fall outside what this residential exemption covers.

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Anaheim or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked August 3, 2026.