Backyard Chickens in Roseville, California

Can you keep chickens in Roseville?

Thinking about keeping backyard chickens in Roseville, California? The good news: the City's Municipal Code allows up to 10 domestic fowl (chickens, ducks, or pigeons combined) on residential property with no standard permit required, as long as the coop sits at least 20 feet from any property line.

Yes – with conditions

Yes, chickens are allowed in Roseville, California. Under the City's Domestic Fowl ordinance, residents may keep chickens without a standard permit, subject to a combined species cap and a setback rule (§ 7.36.010, § 7.36.020).

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: 10
Roosters: Not Specified
Permit required: No
Setback from property line: 20 ft.

Peggy knows Roseville

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Combined fowl limit: Except on premises zoned for agricultural purposes, no person may keep any goose or turkey, or more than 10 total (in any combination) of ducks, chickens, or pigeons (§ 7.36.010).

Enclosure/setback: Any domestic fowl kept under § 7.36.010 must be housed in a sanitary enclosure that is not located within 20 feet of any property line when the enclosure is entirely outdoors (§ 7.36.020).

Roosters: The ordinance does not separately address or restrict roosters versus hens — it simply caps the combined total of ducks, chickens, and pigeons at 10.

Special permits: A special permit may be granted by the Chief of Police (or designee) to keep animals or poultry that don't strictly conform to these limits, if findings show public health and welfare won't be endangered due to factors like soil, drainage, prevailing winds, or population density (§ 7.36.100). An annual fee for this special animal permit is set by City Council resolution (§ 7.36.110).

Agricultural zoning exemption: Properties zoned for agricultural purposes are exempt from the 10-bird cap.

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Roseville

🌡️ Climate

Mediterranean / Hot-Summer Csa (Sunset Zone 9, USDA Zone 9b)

Roseville has hot, dry summers (frequently 95-105°F) and mild, wet winters. Coops need excellent ventilation, shade, and cooling measures (frozen water, misters) to protect flocks during summer heat waves, while minimal cold protection is needed in winter.

🦝 Who's after your hens

HawkRaccoonFoxCoyoteSnakeOpossumBobcatSkunk

Roseville's proximity to Placer County foothills and greenbelt corridors means backyard flocks face pressure from hawks, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, skunks, opossums, and occasional bobcats. Secure, covered runs and nighttime lockup in a predator-proof coop are essential, especially given the required 20-ft setback that often places coops near fence lines and open space.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Leghorn, Australorp, Plymouth Rock, Rhode Island Red, Easter Egger (heat-tolerant, hardy breeds suited to Central Valley/foothill summers)

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

Questions people ask about Roseville

▸How many chickens can I keep in Roseville?

You may keep up to 10 total birds in any combination of ducks, chickens, or pigeons, unless your property is zoned for agricultural purposes (§ 7.36.010).

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

No standard permit is required to keep up to 10 birds. A special permit from the Chief of Police is only needed if you want to exceed the standard limits (§ 7.36.100, § 7.36.110).

▸Are roosters allowed in Roseville?

The ordinance does not separately distinguish roosters from hens — both count toward the combined 10-bird limit for ducks, chickens, and pigeons.

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

Outdoor enclosures for domestic fowl must be located at least 20 feet from any property line (§ 7.36.020).

▸Can I keep more than 10 chickens?

Only if your property is zoned for agricultural purposes, or if you obtain a special animal permit from the police department after a finding that public health and welfare won't be endangered (§ 7.36.010, § 7.36.100, § 7.36.110).

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Roseville or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked August 4, 2026.