Can I keep chickens in Sacramento, CA?

Yes — Sacramento allows backyard chickens, up to 3 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 20 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Sacramento Municipal Code 9.44.860, verified June 2026)

✓ Allowed3 hens max🚫 No roostersPermit / registration required20 ft coop setback
How many hens can you keep?
You can keep up to 3 hens in Sacramento.

The full rules

Chickens allowedYes
Maximum hens3
RoostersProhibited
Permit requiredYes
Coop setback20 ft
Home slaughterNot allowed
Coop rulesUp to 3 hens. Permit required. Rear yard only. Roosters prohibited. Slaughter prohibited.
Code sectionSacramento Municipal Code 9.44.860

Sacramento permits up to 3 hens with a required permit. Chickens must be kept in rear yard only, with 20-foot setback. Roosters and slaughter are prohibited.

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Common questions

Can I keep chickens in Sacramento?

Yes — chickens are allowed in Sacramento (Sacramento Municipal Code 9.44.860).

How many chickens can I keep in Sacramento?

Up to 3 hens.

Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Sacramento?

Yes — Sacramento requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.

Are roosters allowed in Sacramento?

No — roosters are prohibited in Sacramento.

How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Sacramento?

20 feet minimum. Up to 3 hens. Permit required. Rear yard only. Roosters prohibited. Slaughter prohibited.

Can I slaughter chickens at home in Sacramento?

No — slaughter is not permitted under Sacramento's code.

What law covers backyard chickens in Sacramento?

Sacramento Municipal Code 9.44.860. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.

The actual law

Sacramento Municipal Code 9.44.860 — read the official code

“A person may keep a maximum of three chickens on a single-family residential lot, provided a permit has been obtained” 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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