Residential Chickens
Pleasant Hill residents can apply for a permit to raise chickens at their residence within City limits. The maximum allowable numbers of chicken is limited to five. The keeping of roosters is prohibited, only hens are allowed.
Chicken Permit:
Apply for a residential chicken permit online or in person at City Hall, located at 203 Paul Street. No fee will be required with the chicken permit.
Residents must adequately care for five or less chickens and raise them in a sanitary location. They must also assure the chickens will not cause any health, safety or nuisance issues, which includes odor and noise.
Restrictions:
- All chickens must be kept in the backyard and are not allowed in the front or side yard.
- Chicken enclosures must be at least 10 feet from the property line and at least 50 feet from any adjacent residential dwelling, church, school or place of business.
- A fence and roof must surround the well-ventilated chicken coop. Chickens must be in the coop when the resident is not present.
- Only hens are allowed. Roosters are prohibited.
- Other farm animals such as ducks, pigs, goats, etc. are not allowed.
- Chickens are allowed to be owned on residentially-zoned properties developed with a detached single-family dwelling.
The complete list of chicken requirements, including location, safety and permitting standards, under the approved Ordinance 1951; The Keeping of Chickens.
Best Practices:
Ensure the safe-keeping of residential chickens by following these practices:
- Wash or sanitize hands after handling chickens, eggs, feed and water, and after cleaning the coop.
- Collect eggs every day. If washed, store eggs in the refrigerator. Discard any eggs that are broken or cracked.
- Keep chicken feed in a dry area that is off the ground and airtight.
- Provide chickens with fresh water daily and ensure they have a safe portion of the coop to nest in each night.