Backyard Chickens in Clovis, California

Can you keep chickens in Clovis?

Thinking about backyard hens in Clovis, California? Before you build a coop, know that Clovis's animal ordinance currently treats chickens as regulated "farm animals" that are off-limits in most residential neighborhoods — here's what the actual Municipal Code and City statements say.

Not straightforward

Under the Clovis Municipal Code, Chapter 6.1 (Animal Regulations), chickens are classified as "farm animals" (§ 6.1.101(n)) and, per § 6.1.303, no person shall keep or maintain farm animals anywhere in the City except: (a) in connection with bona fide schools, colleges, universities, or research organizations engaged in scientific research/education; (b) on the grounds of a district agricultural fair or rodeo; or (c) in a zone where the zoning code specifically permits such animals. This same 2009 ordinance also repealed the City's former 'home bird permit' provisions that had allowed a limited number of fowl in single-family residential zones (R-1-A, R-1-AH, R-1-C, R-1), eliminating the general residential pathway to keep chickens.

Clovis's own animal-services agency confirms this in plain language, stating that farm animals, including chickens, are not permitted in most residential areas of the City. City staff has separately noted that current code effectively only allows chickens for families whose children are enrolled in agricultural-education programs such as 4-H or FFA (typically tied to the school-related exception in § 6.1.303(a)). Clovis Manager of Police Services George Rodriguez said that current municipal code allows for families of children enrolled in programs such as 4H or FFA to keep chickens.

The Clovis City Council has repeatedly declined to create a general backyard-chicken allowance for ordinary residents. The initial proposal for backyard chickens came before the council in May 2020, followed by two additional presentations in June and July 2020, and the subject was dismissed in April 2021 due to concerns about issues experienced by the city of Bakersfield when it passed a backyard chicken ordinance and then voted to rescind it as a result of litigation and the need for an EIR. The council again voted 4-1 to deny a backyard chicken ordinance in May 2023, citing animal-services staffing, health concerns, and the cost of an environmental impact report. As of this research, ordinary Clovis homeowners in standard residential zones (R-1 and similar) may not lawfully keep backyard hens or roosters.

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Restricted
How many hens: Not Allowed
Roosters: No
Permit required: No
Permit cost: Not specified
Setback from property line: Not specified

Peggy knows Clovis

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Because chickens fall under the City's "farm animal" prohibition for most residential parcels, there is no general residential coop-permitting or setback scheme for backyard hens in Clovis (unlike cities that allow chickens with specific coop/setback standards). The Municipal Code does define a "Coop" as a covered enclosure for the shelter of fowl (§ 6.1.101(g)), and where farm animals ARE lawfully kept (e.g., on school/college grounds, agricultural fairgrounds, or in a zone where the zoning code specifically permits farm animals), § 6.1.513 requires that: (a) the premises be open at all times for inspection by City or County health inspectors and animal services officers; (b) farm animals be confined by a suitable fence "good, strong, substantial and sufficient to prevent the ingress and egress of farm animals"; and (c) farm animals not be kept inside any building used for human habitation. All animal enclosures citywide must also meet general sanitary-enclosure standards (§ 6.1.503), be free of odors/pests, and have excreta removed daily or as often as necessary to prevent nuisance conditions.

For residents whose children participate in 4-H or FFA, City staff has indicated an exception exists, but no published, itemized permit process, fee, or setback schedule for that exception was found in the codified ordinance — interested families should contact Clovis Animal Services directly ((559) 324-2450) to confirm current administrative requirements.

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Clovis

🌡️ Climate

USDA Hardiness Zone 9b; Köppen "Csa" hot-summer Mediterranean climate

Clovis sits in California's Central Valley near the Sierra Nevada foothills, with long, very hot, dry summers (frequently 95–105°F+) and mild, wet winters. Any poultry keeping in this climate (where legally permitted, such as school/FFA programs) requires heavy emphasis on shade, ventilation, and constant water access to prevent heat stress, since Central Valley heat waves are a leading cause of poultry mortality in the region.

🦝 Who's after your hens

HawkRaccoonCoyoteOpossumSkunk

The Fresno/Clovis area's mix of suburban development and adjacent agricultural and foothill land supports populations of hawks, raccoons, coyotes, opossums, and skunks, all of which are common threats to unprotected poultry in the broader region.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Heat-tolerant breeds such as Leghorns, Easter Eggers, Australorps, and Plymouth Rocks generally handle Central Valley summers best (relevant only to school/FFA-authorized flocks, since general backyard keeping is not permitted).

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

Questions people ask about Clovis

▸Can I legally keep backyard chickens in Clovis, CA?

Generally, no. Farm animals are defined as livestock (such as pigs, sheep, cows, goats or horses), fowl (such as chickens, ducks and pigeons), and other animals commonly kept or raised on a farm. Clovis Municipal Code § 6.1.303 prohibits keeping farm animals citywide except in narrow circumstances (schools/colleges, agricultural fairgrounds, or specifically zoned areas), so most homeowners cannot keep chickens.

▸Has Clovis ever considered allowing backyard chickens?

Yes, multiple times. The initial proposal for backyard chickens came before the council in May 2020, followed by two additional presentations in June and July 2020, and the subject was dismissed in April 2021 due to concerns about issues experienced by the city of Bakersfield when it passed a backyard chicken ordinance and then voted to rescind it as a result of litigation and the need for an EIR. The Council again denied a proposed ordinance in May 2023.

▸Is there any exception that allows chickens in Clovis?

Clovis Manager of Police Services George Rodriguez said that current municipal code allows for families of children enrolled in programs such as 4H or FFA to keep chickens. This tracks the code's exception for animals kept in connection with bona fide schools and educational/agricultural programs.

▸Are roosters allowed anywhere in Clovis?

No. Since chickens (and roosters) are prohibited as farm animals in standard residential zones under Clovis Municipal Code § 6.1.303, roosters are not permitted for typical homeowners.

▸Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Clovis?

There is no general residential chicken permit because backyard chicken-keeping is not a permitted use for most Clovis homeowners. Residents interested in the narrow school/agricultural-program exception should contact Clovis Animal Services at (559) 324-2450 for current administrative guidance.

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Clovis or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked August 5, 2026.