Backyard Chickens in Murrieta, California

Can you keep chickens in Murrieta?

Thinking about raising hens in Murrieta? The 'Gem of the Valley' allows backyard chickens on most single-family residential lots — no permit needed — as long as you follow the city's flock-size and coop setback rules. Here's everything Peggy's Happy Chickens found in the actual Murrieta Development Code.

Yes – with conditions

Yes, Murrieta allows backyard chickens (hens) on residential properties zoned RR, ER, and SF1, per the city's Development Code § 16.44.040 (Animal Keeping). The number you may keep is tied to your parcel size, and roosters are strictly prohibited.

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: 4
Roosters: No
Permit required: No
Setback from property line: 10 ft.

Peggy knows Murrieta

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Under Murrieta Municipal Code § 16.44.040(4): chickens must be contained within an enclosure or coop that includes an enclosed runway and an area protecting the birds from weather. The coop must be located in the rear or side yard and set back at least 10 feet from the rear and side yard property lines. The enclosure must be kept clean, sanitary, and free of offensive odors. Roosters are prohibited citywide, slaughtering of any animal is prohibited in residential zones, and commercial chicken-keeping is not allowed in residential zones. Chicks under 6 months of age do not count toward the maximum flock size.

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Murrieta

🌡️ Climate

USDA Hardiness Zone 9b/10a — Mediterranean/semi-arid inland valley climate

Murrieta sits in the inland valleys of southwestern Riverside County and experiences hot, dry summers (often 95–105°F) and mild, wet winters with occasional light frost. Chicken keepers should prioritize shade, ventilation, and cool drinking water in summer, and wind/rain protection in the cooler months.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkCoyoteOpossumSkunkSnake

Murrieta backyards back up to open scrubland and foothill terrain in many neighborhoods, so coyotes, hawks (including red-tailed hawks), raccoons, opossums, skunks, and gopher/king snakes are all common threats to backyard flocks. Secure, fully enclosed runs with hardware-cloth (not chicken wire) and covered tops are strongly recommended given aerial predator pressure from hawks.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Heat-tolerant, hardy breeds do best in Murrieta's warm inland climate: Leghorns, Easter Eggers, Australorps, Rhode Island Reds, Plymouth Rocks, and Orpingtons are popular choices for reliable laying in hot summers.

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

Questions people ask about Murrieta

▸How many chickens can I have in Murrieta?

It depends on your lot size: up to 4 chickens on lots from 7,200 sq. ft. to just under half an acre, up to 12 chickens on lots of half an acre to one acre, and up to 30 chickens per acre on lots larger than one acre, per Table 16.44.040-1 of the Development Code.

▸Are roosters allowed in Murrieta?

No. Municipal Code § 16.44.040(4)(e) explicitly states that roosters are prohibited within Murrieta city limits.

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

The Development Code does not list a permit or conditional use permit requirement for standard residential chicken-keeping (unlike some other animal types such as aviaries or exotic animals, which do require a CUP), so no special permit is required for a compliant backyard flock.

▸How far must my coop be from the property line?

Coops and enclosures must be located in the rear or side yard and set back at least 10 feet from the rear and side yard property lines, per § 16.44.040(4)(b).

▸Can I slaughter chickens at home in Murrieta?

No. The Municipal Code specifically prohibits the slaughtering of any animal in residential zones (§ 16.44.040(4)(d)).

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Murrieta or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked August 2, 2026.