Backyard chickens in Richmond, California

Yes, keeping backyard chickens is legal in Richmond, California. The keeping of fowl is regulated under Chapter 9.24 ("Animals") of the Richmond Municipal Code, most recently amended by Ordinance No. 05-12 N.S.

The Code does not set a hard numeric cap on hens. Instead, § 9.24.060 provides that "the number of animals, including fowl, on any premises shall be of a prudent and reasonable number and is at no time to be excessive in number as to the facilities provided for them" (§ 9.24.060). Chicken coops must also comply with a minimum setback rule found in § 9.24.040, which states that "no chicken coop, house or pen, nor any structure used for the containment of fowl, including pigeons, shall be kept at a distance of twenty feet or less from the door or window of any dwelling" (§ 9.24.040). The ordinance text does not mention roosters specifically or require a city permit for keeping hens; enforcement of general animal-control matters (licensing, nuisance, etc.) is otherwise handled through the City's animal-control agreement with Contra Costa County (§ 9.24.070–.080).

Richmond sits on the San Francisco Bay shoreline and enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate: cool, foggy summers moderated by bay breezes and mild, wet winters with rare frost. This even, temperate climate is generally low-stress for backyard poultry year-round, though coastal fog and damp winter conditions mean coop ventilation and dry bedding are important to prevent respiratory issues and mold.

The East Bay's mix of urban and open space supports healthy populations of raccoons, opossums, and skunks that are skilled at exploiting weak coop latches, as well as red-tailed hawks and coyotes that patrol green spaces and hillside parks near residential Richmond neighborhoods. Secure, hardware-cloth-covered runs and locking coop doors are strongly recommended.