Apply for a Backyard Chicken Permit

Step 1.Create a Citizen Access account

We use a third party application called Citizen Access for Backyard Chicken Permit applications.  If you've never used Citizen Access, we recommend that you review how to create an account before starting your application.

Step 2.Make sure you have time to apply

This application will take about 10 minutes once you’ve gathered the required information identified below.  You can save your application and resume later if you need more time.

Step 3.Talk to your neighbors

Check with your adjacent neighbors before you pay the fee to apply for a permit. If any of them objects, the City can't issue you a Backyard Chicken Permit. We notify property owners and occupants.

If even one neighbor objects, we have to deny your application.

Step 4.Review the requirements

Your property must meet the following requirements to be eligible:

• Be at least 3,800 square feet (0.087 acres) in area
• Not include more than 2 dwelling units
• Have written permission from the landlord, if you're renting

You can look up your property size on the City Assessors Property Search. Once you find your property, scroll down to the Land Information section. You’ll find the total acres listed.  If you can’t find your property size, give us a call at the number listed in the Contact Us section. We'll look it up for you.

Step 5.Make sure you have all the required information

During the application process you will need to upload attachments.

Draw a site plan for your chicken coop and yard, with measurements listed. You can use our Site Plan Template in English(PDF, 173KB) (Site Plan Template in Spanish), which includes a sample.

Include all of this in your site plan:

• All property lines
• All existing buildings or structures on your property
• Fences
• Chicken coop
• Fenced or covered chicken yard area

Be sure to follow the placement and size requirements:

• Coop and yard use less than 50% of the rear yard
• Coop must be under 8 feet tall
• Coop must be less than 6 square feet per chicken
• Only one coop for keeping chickens
• Coop and yard must be 10 feet away from all property lines

If you're renting, you'll need to upload written permission from your landlord.

Step 6.Have your credit/debit card ready

You'll need to enter your credit/debit card information to pay the non-refundable permit application fee. We accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover. 

Step 7.Apply online

You can find the application under the Planning Applications category of Citizen Access.

Apply Online in English

Step 8.We'll review your application

Expect to hear from us within 1-2 business days. We'll email you to confirm receipt of your application. Keep in mind that you might need to revise your application or attachments if we notice any missing or incorrect information.

Step 9.What happens next

We’ll notify your neighbors on adjacent lot lines by letter, which leads to one of these two final results:

• We’ll deny your application if a neighbor objects in writing within 21 days of the notification
• We’ll deliver your permit by email if no neighbor objects

The whole process takes about a month to complete.

Step 10.Reapply after the first year

Your permit is only valid for 1 year. You'll need to renew your permit after the initial year.

Don’t worry, we have your back. We'll send you an email with instructions on how to renew the permit before yours expires.

Step 1.Talk to your neighbors

Check with your adjacent neighbors before you pay the fee to apply for a permit. If any of them objects, the City can't issue you a Backyard Chicken Permit. We notify property owners and occupants.

If even one neighbor objects, we have to deny your application.

Step 2.Review the requirements

Your property must meet the following requirements to be eligible:

• Be at least 3,800 square feet (0.087 acres) in area
• Not include more than 2 dwelling units
• Have written permission from the landlord, if you're renting

You can look up your property size on the City Assessors Property Search. Once you find your property, scroll down to the Land Information section. You’ll find the total acres listed.  If you can’t find your property size, give us a call at the number listed in the Contact Us section. We'll look it up for you.

Step 3.Make sure you have all the required information

When you come to our office to apply, you'll need to bring some attachments with you.

Draw a site plan for your chicken coop and yard, with measurements listed. You can use our Site Plan Template in English(PDF, 173KB) (Site Plan Template in Spanish), which includes a sample.

Include all of this in your site plan:

• All property lines
• All existing buildings or structures on your property
• Fences
• Chicken coop
• Fenced or covered chicken yard area

Be sure to follow the placement and size requirements:

• Coop and yard use less than 50% of the rear yard
• Coop must be under 8 feet tall
• Coop must be less than 6 square feet per chicken
• Only one coop for keeping chickens
• Coop and yard must be 10 feet away from all property lines

If you're renting, you'll need to bring written permission from your landlord.

Step 4.Have your payment ready

You'll need to pay the non-refundable permit application fee. For in person payments, we accept cash, check or money order, and Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.

Step 5.Come to our office and fill out an application

We'll help you apply for your Backyard Chicken Permit online through Citizen Access.

Step 6.We'll review your application

Expect to hear from us within 1-2 business days. We'll email you to confirm receipt of your application. Keep in mind that you might need to revise your application or attachments if we notice any missing or incorrect information.

Step 7.What happens next

We’ll notify your neighbors on adjacent lot lines by letter, which leads to one of these two final results:

• We’ll deny your application if a neighbor objects in writing within 21 days of the notification
• We’ll deliver your permit by email if no neighbor objects

The whole process takes about a month to complete.

Step 8.Reapply after the first year

Your permit is only valid for 1 year. You'll need to renew your permit after the initial year.

Don’t worry, we have your back. We'll send you an email with instructions on how to renew the permit before yours expires.