Backyard Chickens in Concord, California

Can you keep chickens in Concord?

Concord, California welcomes backyard chicken keepers! The city's municipal code allows residents to keep up to 12 hens (more on larger lots) without needing a permit, making it one of the more chicken-friendly cities in Contra Costa County. Just remember: roosters are off the menu—literally banned since 2015—so keep your flock crow-free and enjoy fresh eggs year-round in this warm, sunny corner of the East Bay.

Yes – with conditions

Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Concord, California. The city's municipal code permits the keeping of fowl (including chickens) without a permit, subject to conditions on lot area, enclosure, and setbacks (Concord Municipal Code § 6.10.030(b), § 6.10.040(b)).

Roosters, however, are completely banned. Concord's ordinance as of August 7, 2015, made it unlawful for any person to maintain, keep, or board any rooster within the city of Concord, irrespective of when such rooster was hatched or otherwise acquired (§ 6.10.030(d)).

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: 12
Roosters: No
Permit required: No
Permit cost: Not specified
Setback from property line: 25 ft.

Peggy knows Concord

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Under Concord Municipal Code § 6.10.040(b): No more than 12 fowl shall be allowed for up to the first 20,000 square feet of land. One additional fowl may be permitted for each additional 1,500 square feet of land area. Hatchlings of any fowl must not be kept on the premises longer than six weeks following birth. All fowl must be kept in an enclosure to prevent escapes onto surrounding property, and any coop, shelter, aviary, or outbuilding (and appurtenances) must be located at least 25 feet from the exterior property lines. Enclosures must be maintained in a sanitary and dust-free condition, with appropriate nesting/roosting material provided.

Fowl shall be permitted to be kept and maintained on real property only in accordance with the provisions of this article. No permit shall be required. (This no-permit rule applies specifically to fowl; a separate permit system exists only for livestock and companion animals such as horses, goats, etc.)

Roosters are banned entirely as of August 7, 2015; only hens (and other non-rooster fowl such as ducks, geese, guinea fowl, peafowl, and turkeys) may be kept.

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Concord

🌡️ Climate

Mediterranean (Csa) - Bay Area inland valley

Concord sits in Contra Costa County's inland valley, giving it a warmer, drier version of the Bay Area's Mediterranean climate—hot, dry summers (frequently reaching the 90s°F) and mild, wet winters. Coops should prioritize summer shade, cross-ventilation, and ample water access, while winter care mainly involves keeping bedding dry during the rainy season.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkFoxCoyoteOpossumSkunk

Concord-area flocks commonly face threats from raccoons, hawks, foxes, coyotes, opossums, and skunks. Even in the Bay, hawks, raccoons, and coyotes are a real threat, and a covered run and secure coop are essential. Using hardware cloth instead of chicken wire, burying fencing to deter digging predators, and covering runs to block aerial attacks are all recommended precautions for local keepers.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Rhode Island Red, Buff Orpington, Ameraucana, Plymouth Barred Rock, Australorp

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

Questions people ask about Concord

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

No. Under Concord Municipal Code § 6.10.030(b), fowl (including chickens) may be kept without a permit, unlike livestock and companion animals such as horses or goats, which do require one.

▸How many chickens can I have in Concord?

Up to 12 fowl are allowed on the first 20,000 square feet of land, with one additional fowl permitted for every extra 1,500 square feet of land area (§ 6.10.040(b)).

▸Are roosters allowed in Concord?

No. As of August 7, 2015, keeping any rooster within Concord city limits is unlawful, regardless of when the rooster was acquired (§ 6.10.030(d)).

▸How far from my property line does my coop need to be?

Coops, shelters, and other fowl-related outbuildings must be located at least 25 feet from the exterior property lines (§ 6.10.040(b)).

▸What sanitation rules apply to keeping chickens?

Keepers must maintain any coop or enclosure in a sanitary, dust-free condition and provide appropriate nesting/roosting material. Manure must not be allowed to accumulate for more than 24 hours unless kept in a flyproof receptacle (§ 6.10.040(b), § 6.10.190).

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