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Pets, chickens and bees in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea's own rules on pets, chickens and bees, with the code text for every value.

Ask about pets, chickens and bees in Carmel-by-the-Sea See coverage

Each rule below links to the section of the Carmel-by-the-Sea Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Carmel-by-the-Sea's code says

Carmel-by-the-Sea code What Carmel-by-the-Sea's code adds
Chickens
  • Yes, up to 2 hens per building site; no roosters.
    Applies: R-1 district only.
    § 6.08.180 · code text
    A maximum of two chicken hens may be permitted per building site in the R-1 district only.
Large animals
  • Pigs are prohibited; barnyard fowl are prohibited except chicken hens.
    Applies: Applies within city limits.
    § 6.08.120 · code text
    It is unlawful, and is declared a nuisance, for any person or persons to keep or cause to be kept any swine or barnyard fowl, with the exception of chicken hens, within the corporate limits of the City.
Permit
  • The enclosure needs Track 1 Design Study approval before installation; properties within 100 feet are notified.
    Applies: Keeping chicken hens.
    § 6.08.180 · code text
    A Track 1 Design Study application shall be submitted to the Department of Community Planning and Building for approval of the location and design of the enclosure prior to installation.
  • The city issues no more than 5 permits.
    Applies: Keeping chicken hens.
    § 6.08.180 · code text
    No more than five permits shall be issued by the City.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep chickens or bees at my home in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Carmel-by-the-Sea's code: Yes, up to 2 hens per building site; no roosters. (R-1 district only.) (§ 6.08.180).

General information, not legal advice.

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Ask GoCodebook how Carmel-by-the-Sea's pets, chickens and bees rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

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Carmel-by-the-Sea Municipal Code — full text