Can I keep backyard chickens in Rancho Palos Verdes, California?
Rancho Palos Verdes' code doesn't mention chickens or poultry. It allows "household pets and small domestic animals" by right, and requires an exotic animal permit (with notice to neighbors within 500 feet) for animals that aren't household pets; chickens aren't on the city's household-pet list, but "small domestic animals" isn't defined in the sources we reviewed. Ask the Planning Division which reading applies before getting hens; the cautious assumption is that you'll need the permit.
| Chickens mentioned in the code | No; the code sets no rule specific to chickens or poultry [1] |
| Allowed by right in single-family zones | Household pets and small domestic animals (term not defined in our sources) for noncommercial purposes [1] |
| Animals that aren't household pets | Exotic animal permit required [1] |
| Chickens on the household-pet list | No (list covers birds such as canaries, pigeons, doves, finches and parrots) [3] |
| Neighbor notice for the permit | Owners within 500 feet [5] |
| Time to file objections | 10 working days after notice [6] |
| Large animals (horses, goats, sheep) | Only in the Equestrian Overlay (Q) District; 2 on a 15,000 sq ft lot, up to 4 [8] |
The code doesn't mention chickens
No section we reviewed uses the words chicken, hen, rooster or poultry. Whether you can keep hens depends on how two general provisions apply.
What the zoning code allows
In single-family (RS) zones the code allows keeping household pets and small domestic animals for noncommercial purposes, and says animals that are not household pets may be permitted with an exotic animal permit [1]. A household pet means dogs, cats and other domesticated species customarily kept as part of a residential use, as determined by the director, who keeps a public list [2].
Two possible readings
- Permit needed (cautious reading): the director's list of household pets includes birds such as canaries, pigeons, white doves, finches, parrots and parakeets [3], plus cats, dogs, rabbits, mice, rats, guinea pigs, hamsters, snakes, fish and turtles. Chickens aren't listed, and the exotic animal permit exists for animals that are not household pets [4]. On this reading hens need the permit. The list is undated, so it may not be the director's current list.
- Allowed by right: the same provision also allows "small domestic animals" without a permit [1]. The sources we reviewed don't define that term, so if the city treats hens as small domestic animals, no permit would be needed.
Only the city can say which reading it applies.
The exotic animal permit
You apply to the director with a sketch of the coop or enclosure and nearby structures, a fee, and the names and addresses of owners within 500 feet [5]. The director mails notice, and neighbors have 10 working days to object in writing [6]. The director approves only if the permit won't harm public health, safety or welfare and the site is adequate in size and shape [7]. The director can add conditions (such as numbers or coop location), decisions can be appealed to the Planning Commission and City Council, and the permit is recorded and ends when the property is sold.
No set numbers
The sources don't set a maximum number of hens, ban roosters or give coop setbacks; any limits would come from permit conditions.
Other animals
Up to five beehives are allowed for noncommercial use. Horses, goats and sheep are large domestic animals allowed only in the Equestrian Overlay (Q) District: two on a developed lot of at least 15,000 sq ft, plus one per added 5,000 sq ft, up to four [8].
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Next steps
- Call the Planning Division at (310) 544-5228 (planning@rpvca.gov) to confirm whether hens need an exotic animal permit on your lot.
- If so, file an exotic animal permit application with the Community Development Director: owner information, reason, a sketch of the coop and nearby structures, the fee, and an ownership list for properties within 500 feet.
- Wait out the 10-working-day neighbor objection period and follow any conditions the director attaches; the permit is recorded with the county.
Common questions
- Can I have chickens in Rancho Palos Verdes, California?
- It depends on how the city reads its code, which doesn't mention chickens. Household pets and small domestic animals are allowed by right, but chickens aren't on the household-pet list, so the cautious assumption is you'll need an exotic animal permit. Ask the Planning Division before getting hens.
- Do I need a permit for chickens in Rancho Palos Verdes, California?
- Possibly. Animals that aren't household pets need an exotic animal permit from the director, with a coop sketch, a fee and notice to owners within 500 feet, who have 10 working days to object. Whether hens need it is unresolved, so confirm with the Planning Division.
- How many chickens can I have in Rancho Palos Verdes, California?
- The code doesn't set a maximum number of hens, ban roosters or give coop setbacks. Any limits would come from conditions on an exotic animal permit.
- Can I keep goats or horses in Rancho Palos Verdes, California?
- Only in the Equestrian Overlay (Q) District: two large domestic animals on a developed lot of at least 15,000 sq ft, plus one per added 5,000 sq ft, up to four. Up to five beehives are allowed for noncommercial use.
California state rules on backyard chickens
California has no statewide right to keep backyard chickens, and no state law sets hen limits, rooster bans or coop setbacks for homes. Those rules come from your city or county, usually in the zoning code, the animal-control ordinance or both. Some cities allow a few hens by right, some require a permit, some ban poultry in residential zones, and many ban roosters.
A few state laws still matter:
- Right-to-farm protection is for commercial farms: Civil Code §3482.5 shields commercial agricultural operations that have run for more than three years from new nuisance claims. It doesn't protect a backyard flock from local rules or neighbor complaints.
- Cockfighting is a crime: under Penal Code §597b, making roosters fight for amusement or gain, or allowing it on your property, is a criminal offense. That's one reason some cities limit roosters.
- Bird flu (H5N1): the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) asks all poultry and livestock owners to practice biosecurity (limit contact with wild birds, monitor flock health) and to report sick birds. The CDFA bird flu line is 1-866-922-2473.
- Hen housing standards (Prop 2 / Prop 12, Health & Safety Code §25990 et seq.) set minimum space for egg-laying hens. They're aimed at commercial egg production and sales, not typical backyard flocks.
- Nuisance and health rules still apply: cities and counties can address odor, noise, flies and rodents under local nuisance and health ordinances.
Check your city's municipal code, and any HOA rules, before getting birds.
What the ordinance says
- Sec. 17.02.020(F), Municipal Code Title 17 Ch. 17.02 Single-Family Residential (RS) Districts (17.02.020 uses; 17.02.026 short-term rentals prohibited; 17.02.030 development standards), p. 1
(Household pets) and small domestic animals for noncommercial purposes. Animals that are not household pets may be permitted pursuant to approval of an exotic animal permit;
- Sec. 17.96.945, Municipal Code §17.96.945 Household pets (Definitions), p. 1
"Household pet" means dogs, cats and other domesticated species that are customarily kept as part of a residential use, as determined by the director.
- Allowed Household Pets list (per MC 17.96.945), item 1, Allowed Household Pets as Determined by the Community Development Director (per MC 17.96.945), p. 1
1. Birds - Canaries, Pigeons, White Doves, Finches, Parrots, Parakeets, or other exotic birds not prohibited by Federal or State law.
- Sec. 17.76.110(A), Municipal Code Title 17 Ch. 17.76 Miscellaneous Permits and Standards (17.76.030 fences, walls and hedges; 17.76.110 exotic animal permit; 17.76.115 large domestic animal permits), p. 1
The exotic animal permit is established to permit the keeping of animals that are not household pets, as defined in section 17.96.945 (Household Pets).
- Sec. 17.76.110(B)(1)(e), Municipal Code Title 17 Ch. 17.76 Miscellaneous Permits and Standards (17.76.030 fences, walls and hedges; 17.76.110 exotic animal permit; 17.76.115 large domestic animal permits), p. 1
The names and addresses of all persons who are shown on the latest available assessment roll of the county as owning property within 500 feet from the exterior boundaries of the subject lot or parcel;
- Sec. 17.76.110(B)(2), Municipal Code Title 17 Ch. 17.76 Miscellaneous Permits and Standards (17.76.030 fences, walls and hedges; 17.76.110 exotic animal permit; 17.76.115 large domestic animal permits), p. 1
All opposition to the permit must be submitted in writing to the director within ten working days after the mailing of such notice.
- Sec. 17.76.110(B)(3)(a), Municipal Code Title 17 Ch. 17.76 Miscellaneous Permits and Standards (17.76.030 fences, walls and hedges; 17.76.110 exotic animal permit; 17.76.115 large domestic animal permits), p. 1
That the permit, if issued, will not be detrimental to the public health, safety or general welfare; and
- Sec. 17.46.020(A), Municipal Code Title 17 Ch. 17.38-17.48 Special Districts (17.38.060 Coastal Specific Plan District; 17.40 Overlay Control Districts; 17.46 Equestrian Overlay), p. 1
Two large domestic animals may be kept or maintained on a developed lot or parcel having a gross lot area of at least 15,000 square feet. One additional large domestic animal may be kept or maintained for each additional 5,000 square feet of gross lot area, not to exceed a total of four large domestic animals.