Can I keep chickens in Santa Clarita, CA?
Yes, with conditions — Santa Clarita allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 4 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 20 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Santa Clarita Municipal Code § 17.51.040, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 4 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 20 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 15,000 sq ft |
| Coop rules | 3-4 hens depending on lot size. Minimum 15,000 sq ft lot for 3 hens; larger lots may allow 4. 20 ft setback. Single-family residential only. |
| Code section | Santa Clarita Municipal Code § 17.51.040 |
Santa Clarita allows 3-4 hens based on lot size, with a minimum requirement of 15,000 square feet for 3 hens. Single-family residential lots only. 20-foot setback required.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Santa Clarita?
Yes, with conditions — Santa Clarita allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Santa Clarita Municipal Code § 17.51.040).
How many chickens can I keep in Santa Clarita?
Up to 4 hens. Tiered by lot size: 3 up to 15,000 sq ft; 4 up to 500,000 sq ft. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Santa Clarita?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Santa Clarita.
Are roosters allowed in Santa Clarita?
No — roosters are prohibited in Santa Clarita.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Santa Clarita?
20 feet minimum. 3-4 hens depending on lot size. Minimum 15,000 sq ft lot for 3 hens; larger lots may allow 4. 20 ft setback. Single-family residential only.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Santa Clarita?
Yes — 15,000 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in Santa Clarita?
Santa Clarita Municipal Code § 17.51.040. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Santa Clarita Municipal Code § 17.51.040 — read the official code
“Maximum of 3-4 hens permitted on residential properties 15,000 square feet or larger” 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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