Bakersfield Chicken Laws

Are chickens allowed in Bakersfield?Yes
How many chickens can you have?8
Can you have roosters in Bakersfield?No
Chicken coop placement rules:Coops in rear yard, 20 feet from neighboring homes, and 5 feet from property lines.
Application process:No permit required
More information:Bakersfield municipal code

Bakersfield is a great place to be if you want to have a small flock of backyard chickens.

In Bakersfield, California, the guidelines for keeping backyard chickens include:

  • Chicken allowance. Homeowners can maintain up to eight chickens on their property.
  • Rooster limitations. Roosters are prohibited, mainly to avoid noise-related disturbances.
  • Coop requirements and location. Chicken coops must be positioned in the rear yard and remain at least 20 feet away from neighboring residential structures. Additionally, coops should be no closer than 5 feet to any side or rear property lines.
  • Coop sanitation and upkeep. Ensuring that chicken coops are clean, dry, and well-ventilated is crucial for preventing health hazards and nuisances such as foul odors or pests.
  • Permit stipulations. No specific permit is necessary for keeping backyard chickens in Bakersfield, provided that the homeowner abides by the regulations regarding the number of chickens and other stipulated conditions.
  • Adherence to health and safety rules. Owners of backyard chickens must comply with applicable health and safety regulations, including those governing the sale of eggs or meat.

To ensure compliance with local regulations, consult the most recent guidelines and contact the appropriate authorities in Bakersfield, California, regarding backyard chicken keeping.

See other California chicken ordinances.

Last updated: 4/26/24