Backyard chickens in Pomona, California
Everything you need to know before you start a backyard flock in Pomona – the rules, the climate and the neighbors with teeth.
Can you keep chickens in Pomona?
Thinking about raising backyard hens in Pomona, California? The Pomona Municipal Code allows a small flock of hens as an accessory use to a single-family home, provided you stay within the city's hen limit, skip the rooster, and keep your coop a proper distance from neighboring homes. Here's what Peggy's Happy Chickens found in the local rules.
Yes – with conditions
Yes — hens are legal to keep in the City of Pomona as an accessory residential use. Under Pomona Municipal Code § 6-111 (Animals chapter), households may keep up to four (4) hens. Roosters are not permitted anywhere within city limits, and any coop or enclosure must be set back at least 50 feet from any building used for human habitation. No permit is required as long as these limits and setback rules are followed.
The rules at a glance
- Hens in city limits
- Allowed
- How many hens
- 4
- Roosters
- No
- Permit required
- No
- Permit cost
- Not specified
- Setback from property line
- 50 ft.
Peggy knows Pomona
The rules, straight from the municipal code.
Coops and chicken enclosures in Pomona must be located at least 50 feet from any building used for human habitation (§ 6-111). Keep the coop clean, dry, and predator-proof, and avoid odor or noise that could create a nuisance complaint from neighbors. Roosters of any age are not permitted anywhere in the city.
Permit note: Not required for standard hen-keeping within the stated limits
Keeping a flock happy in Pomona
🌡️ Climate
USDA Hardiness Zone 9b/10a (Mediterranean / semi-arid inland Southern California)
Pomona sits in the San Gabriel Valley and experiences hot, dry summers (often 90–100°F+) and mild, wet winters. Chicken keepers should prioritize shade, ventilation, and constant fresh water in summer, and ensure coops are well-drained during the winter rainy season. Heat stress is the biggest seasonal risk for flocks in this area.
🦝 Who's after your hens
Pomona's proximity to open foothill and flood-control channel areas means backyard flocks face regular pressure from raccoons, opossums, and skunks at night, and hawks during the day. Coyotes are also commonly reported in residential neighborhoods near washes and hillsides, so fully enclosed, roofed runs with buried hardware cloth are strongly recommended.
🐔 Breeds that do well here
Heat-tolerant, hardy breeds do best in Pomona's climate, such as Leghorns, Rhode Island Reds, Australorps, Easter Eggers, and Plymouth Rocks.
Our package comes with two Rhode Island Reds – hardy in heat and cold, and friendly with kids.
Questions people ask about Pomona
▸How many chickens can I keep in Pomona?
Pomona's municipal code (§ 6-111) permits up to 4 hens per residential property.
▸Are roosters allowed in Pomona?
No. Roosters are not permitted anywhere within Pomona city limits due to noise concerns.
▸Do I need a permit to keep hens in Pomona?
No permit is required as long as you stay within the 4-hen limit and follow the required setback for your coop.
▸How far does my coop need to be from my neighbor's house?
Coops and enclosures must be set back at least 50 feet from any building used for human habitation.
▸What predators should I watch out for in Pomona?
Raccoons, opossums, skunks, hawks, and coyotes are all commonly reported in Pomona neighborhoods, so a secure, roofed, hardware-cloth run is essential.
City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Pomona or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked August 2, 2026.
Ready to start your own flock?
Everything arrives at your door – the coop, two Rhode Island Red hens, and all the gear in between.
Start my farm · $1,499or 4 interest-free payments of $374.75 with
