Backyard Chickens in Temecula, California

Can you keep chickens in Temecula?

Thinking about starting a backyard flock in Temecula? The city allows hens as a permitted-by-right use in almost every residential zone — no permit needed — but flock size limits, a 25-foot coop setback, and a citywide rooster ban all apply. Here's exactly what Temecula's municipal code requires before you bring home your chicks.

Yes – with conditions

Yes. Keeping poultry (hens) is a permitted-by-right use in Temecula under Temecula Municipal Code Title 6, Chapter 6.08, Table 6.08.010 (Animal Keeping Standards), which is cross-referenced in the Development Code at §§ 17.06.030 and 17.10.020. Poultry keeping is allowed on residentially zoned properties in every zoning district except Hillside Residential (HR), Hillside Residential-Specific Management (HR-SM), and Open Space/Conservation (OS/OS-C).

The maximum flock size depends on lot size and zoning: properties zoned Low Medium (LM) or Medium (M) density residential — the most common single-family subdivision zoning in Temecula (typically ~7,200-sq-ft lots) — are limited to 4 poultry. On other residential lots (e.g., RR, VL, L-1, L-2) under one acre, up to 12 poultry are allowed; on lots one acre or larger, up to 50 poultry per acre are allowed. Only birds over three months of age count toward the limit.

Roosters/crowing fowl of any species are banned citywide (Table 6.08.010, Note 5). Commercial poultry raising is prohibited in every zoning designation.

This matches long-standing community reporting: an earlier version of the code (still referenced by residents) similarly stated the same structure of limits.

Read the ordinance ↗

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: 25 ft.

Peggy knows Temecula

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

By-right use: Poultry keeping is listed under "Animal and Agricultural Uses/Keeping Permitted By Right" in Table 6.08.010 — no conditional use permit is required for ordinary backyard flocks.
Flock size: LM & M zoned lots (the standard single-family subdivision zoning, ~7,200 sq ft minimum lot size) = 4 poultry max. Other residential zones (RR, VL, L-1, L-2) with lots under 1 acre = 12 poultry max; lots 1 acre or larger = 50 poultry per acre.
Confinement: All poultry must be contained/confined on the property at all times.
Setback: Poultry must be kept at least 25 feet from the property line of any adjacent residence, day care, educational institution, hospital, or church on adjacent property.
Roosters banned: The keeping of roosters or other crowing fowl of any species is prohibited citywide, regardless of zoning.
Age exemption: Poultry under 3 months old are not counted toward the maximum.
Commercial prohibition: Commercial poultry (or rabbit) raising operations are not permitted in any zoning designation.
Legally-established coops built before June 14, 2022 that don't meet current setbacks are treated as legal non-conforming structures.

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Temecula

🌡️ Climate

Mediterranean / Hot-Summer Mediterranean (Köppen Csa) – Inland Southern California Valley

Temecula sits in an inland valley of Riverside County with hot, dry summers (frequently 95–105°F) and mild, wet winters. Diurnal temperature swings can be large, and dry Santa Ana wind events increase fire and predator activity in surrounding wildland areas.

🦝 Who's after your hens

HawkCoyoteRaccoonBobcatSnake

Temecula backyards bordering open space, vineyards, and the surrounding wildland-urban interface commonly see red-tailed hawks and other raptors, coyotes, raccoons, and occasionally bobcats and snakes (including gopher snakes and rattlesnakes) targeting flocks, especially near hillside and rural-residential zoned properties.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Leghorn, Australorp, Easter Egger, Plymouth Rock, Rhode Island Red, Orpington (heat-tolerant, dual-purpose breeds do best in the hot inland valley climate)

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

Questions people ask about Temecula

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

No. Poultry keeping is listed as a use "permitted by right" under Table 6.08.010 of the Temecula Municipal Code, so no conditional use permit is required for a standard backyard flock.

▸Can I keep a rooster in Temecula?

No. Temecula Municipal Code Table 6.08.010 (Note 5) explicitly prohibits the keeping of roosters or any other crowing fowl within city limits, regardless of zoning district or lot size.

▸How many hens can I have on my property?

It depends on your zoning and lot size. Properties zoned LM or M (the typical single-family subdivision zoning) are capped at 4 poultry. Other residential zones (RR, VL, L-1, L-2) allow up to 12 poultry on lots under 1 acre, or 50 poultry per acre on lots 1 acre or larger.

▸How far must my coop be from my neighbor's house?

Poultry must be kept at least 25 feet from the property line of any adjacent residence, day care, educational institution, hospital, or church located on the adjacent property.

▸Are there zones where chickens are not allowed at all?

Yes. Poultry keeping is not permitted in the Hillside Residential (HR), Hillside Residential-Specific Management (HR-SM), or Open Space/Conservation (OS/OS-C) zoning designations.

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