Can I keep chickens in Fresno, CA?
Yes, with conditions — Fresno allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 50 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Fresno Municipal Code Sec. 15-2707 (Animal Keeping); Sec. 10-203 (enclosures), verified September 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 50 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 36,001 sq ft |
| Coop rules | Not allowed on residential lots of 36,000 sq ft or less. On larger residential lots: 12 birds per gross acre, penned at least 40 feet from property lines and 50 feet from neighboring residences, kept clean and free of nuisance. Roosters are prohibited anywhere in the city. Separately, FMC 10-203 bars any fowl enclosure within 35 feet of a building used for human habitation other than the owner's. |
| Code section | Fresno Municipal Code Sec. 15-2707 (Animal Keeping); Sec. 10-203 (enclosures) |
Fresno does not allow backyard chickens on typical residential lots. The Development Code excludes chickens and all fowl from the household pets permitted on residential lots of 36,000 square feet or less. Only residential lots larger than 36,000 square feet (about 0.83 acre) may keep chickens, at 12 birds per gross acre with 40-foot property-line and 50-foot neighbor setbacks. Roosters are banned citywide.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Fresno?
Yes, with conditions — Fresno allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Fresno Municipal Code Sec. 15-2707 (Animal Keeping); Sec. 10-203 (enclosures)).
How many chickens can I keep in Fresno?
It depends on your lot. Chickens are not a permitted household pet on residential lots of 36,000 sq ft or less. On residential lots larger than 36,000 sq ft, chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys and other fowl are limited to 12 birds per gross acre, housed at least 40 ft from property lines and 50 ft from neighboring residences.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
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.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Fresno?
50 feet minimum. Not allowed on residential lots of 36,000 sq ft or less. On larger residential lots: 12 birds per gross acre, penned at least 40 feet from property lines and 50 feet from neighboring residences, kept clean and free of nuisance. Roosters are prohibited anywhere in the city. Separately, FMC 10-203 bars any fowl enclosure within 35 feet of a building used for human habitation other than the owner's.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Fresno?
Yes — 36,001 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in Fresno?
Fresno Municipal Code Sec. 15-2707 (Animal Keeping); Sec. 10-203 (enclosures). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Fresno Municipal Code Sec. 15-2707 (Animal Keeping); Sec. 10-203 (enclosures) — read the official code
“B. Lots of 36,000 Square Feet or Less in Residential Districts. Household Pets are permitted subject to the following. ... 2. Prohibited Pets. Household Pets shall not include horses, miniature horses (except as a guide animal), cows, goats, sheep or other equine, bovine, ovine or ruminant animals, pigs, chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, game birds, or fowl that normally constitute an agricultural use.” source
“City of Fresno permits up to 24 hens in residential zones” source
“SEC. 10-203. - ANIMAL ENCLOSURES. ... No person shall maintain any enclosure or other place for the housing or keeping of fowl or animals (except dogs) within thirty-five feet of any building used for human habitation, unless such building is occupied by the owner or keeper of the fowl or animals.” source
“C. Lots Greater than 36,000 Square Feet in Residential Districts. In addition to Household Pets, the following are permitted: ... d. Chickens, Ducks, Geese, Turkeys, Game Birds, or Fowl. Total number shall not exceed 12 birds per gross acre.” source
Last verified September 13, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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