Can I keep chickens or bees at my home in Santa Ana?

Santa Ana's code: Up to 4 fowl without a permit; more than 4 needs a special permit; roosters are not allowed. (Applies on any premises; rabbits count toward the 4.) (§ 5-6); Yes; at most 2 hives. (Applies to single-family lots of 6,000 square feet or less.) (§ 5-7).

Pets, chickens and bees in Santa Ana: the local rules

Santa Ana code What Santa Ana's code adds
Bees	Yes; at most 2 hives. Applies: Applies to single-family lots of 6,000 square feet or less. § 5-7 · code text No more than two (2) hives may be maintained on a single-family residential property with six thousand (6,000) square feet or less. Yes; 1 hive per 3,000 square feet of lot, up to 5 hives, whichever is less. Applies: Applies to single-family lots larger than 6,000 square feet. § 5-7 · code text On lots larger than six thousand (6,000) square feet, the number of hives is limited to one (1) hive for every three thousand (3,000) square feet of lot area, with a maximum of five (5) hives, whichever is less. Yes; hives go in the rear yard, at least 20 feet from public rights-of-way or private streets. Applies: Applies to properties with a single-family home. § 5-7 · code text Beekeeping is allowed in the general agricultural (A-1) zoning district subject to the conditions set forth in section 41-201.5(k) and on properties developed with a single-family residence subject to the conditions set forth herein. Hives must be at least 5 feet from interior lot lines. Applies: Applies to single-family lots. The neighboring owner may waive this in writing. § 5-7 · code text Hives shall be located a minimum of five (5) feet from interior lots lines; provided, however, that this requirement may be waived in writing subject to the approval of the adjoining property owner(s).
Chickens	Up to 4 fowl without a permit; more than 4 needs a special permit; roosters are not allowed. Applies: Applies on any premises; rabbits count toward the 4. § 5-6 · code text No person shall keep or maintain more than four (4) in number of any fowl (excluding roosters which are not permitted within the city per section 5-6.5 hereof), rabbit, or any combination thereof, on any premises within the city unless a special permit has been issued, subject to the rules and regulations provided in this section and the approval of the city department of planning and development services.
Coop setback	At least 30 feet from any home, except the owner's. Applies: Applies to buildings, pens, runs or other places where more than 4 fowl or rabbits are kept. § 5-6 · code text All buildings, pens, runs, or other places where such fowl and/or rabbits are kept shall be located at least thirty (30) feet from any residence, the owner's excepted.
Permit	A special permit is needed for more than 4 fowl, rabbits or any combination. Applies: Applies to keeping more than 4 fowl, rabbits or any combination. § 5-6 · code text No person shall keep or maintain more than four (4) in number of any fowl (excluding roosters which are not permitted within the city per section 5-6.5 hereof), rabbit, or any combination thereof, on any premises within the city unless a special permit has been issued, subject to the rules and regulations provided in this section and the approval of the city department of planning and development services.
Pet limit	No more than 3 dogs on one premises, unless commercial kennel rules are met. § 5-50 · code text No person or persons shall keep, harbor or maintain upon any one premises within the city more than three (3) dogs unless the person or persons shall comply with the commercial kennel requirements of this chapter.

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