Can I keep chickens in Fresno, CA?
Yes — Fresno allows backyard chickens, up to 24 hens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited. (Fresno Municipal Code, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 24 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop rules | City allows 24 hens. Roosters prohibited. Unincorporated county has different rules by zone. |
| Code section | Fresno Municipal Code |
City of Fresno allows up to 24 hens in residential areas with roosters prohibited. Unincorporated Fresno County follows different regulations by agricultural/residential zone.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Fresno?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Fresno (Fresno Municipal Code).
How many chickens can I keep in Fresno?
Up to 24 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Fresno?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Fresno.
Are roosters allowed in Fresno?
No — roosters are prohibited in Fresno.
What law covers backyard chickens in Fresno?
Fresno Municipal Code. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Fresno Municipal Code — read the official code
“City of Fresno permits up to 24 hens in residential zones” source
Last verified June 13, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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