Thinking About Backyard Chickens? Here’s What You Need to Know
Did you know that Sunset City residents can keep chickens at their homes? If you live in a single-family residential zone and your lot is at least 8,000 square feet, you may be eligible to raise up to six hens (no roosters or crowing hens are allowed).
A permit is required to keep chickens in Sunset City. The license costs $15 per year and must be renewed annually. A site plan of your property must also be submitted with your application.
Chicken coops must meet City requirements to ensure safety, cleanliness, and good neighborhood relations. Coops must be built with durable, all-weather materials, located in the backyard, and placed at least 40 feet from neighboring homes and 5 feet from property lines. They must also be kept clean to avoid odors, and chicken feed must be stored in rodent-proof containers.
Remember, chickens are only allowed for family use—selling eggs or other chicken-related products is not permitted.
For full details, please see City Code 10-5A-7: Chickens in Single-Family Residential Zones; Ownership and Maintenance. You can also contact City Hall for permit applications and more information. You can print the permit here.
Bring a little bit of farm life to your backyard—responsibly and within the guidelines!