Rio Linda, CA—The sound of a rooster’s crow is a staple of rural and semi-rural life, but Sacramento County is finalizing a major legal update aimed at keeping crowing fowl from becoming a neighborhood headache. The County has scheduled an important Public Workshop next Monday, November 10, 2025, at 5:30 PM, to present the latest version of its proposed Zoning Code amendments concerning the “Incidental Keeping of Animals,” specifically roosters.
This effort is designed to strike a better balance between the rights of legitimate agricultural hobbyists and breeders and the growing concerns over noise, sanitation, and illegal activity like cockfighting in residential areas.
What’s Changing for Rooster Keepers?
If you own roosters in unincorporated Sacramento County, these updates are significant. After two previous rounds of community feedback, the County has refined its proposal, introducing changes that should streamline the process for responsible owners while tightening enforcement on problem properties.
Here are the key takeaways from the refined proposal:
- Goodbye Permits, Hello Registration: The previous system that required a cumbersome minor use permit for keeping roosters beyond the standard limit is being eliminated. Instead, breeders, hobbyists, and other legitimate rooster keepers will be able to exceed standard limits through a simpler registration process with the Agricultural Commissioner.
- New Standards: The amendments include revisions to the allowed number of roosters, clarification of noise standards for residential areas, and new development standards that will allow for a wider range of chicken coop sizes.
- Education Exemptions: The new rules will officially eliminate permit requirements for youth involved in educational programs like 4H and FFA, recognizing the value of these activities.
Important Note: These regulations are focused specifically on roosters and do not affect commercial poultry farms or the keeping of other common crowing fowl like ducks, geese, guinea fowl, or peacocks.
Attend the Final Workshop
This public workshop is the last scheduled community feedback session before staff finalize the official ordinances. If you have input on how these rules will affect your property or community, now is the time to speak up…