Redlands City Council advances ordinance to allow hens in most neighborhoods

REDLANDS, Calif. — The Redlands City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to advance a new ordinance that would allow residents in most single-family neighborhoods to keep hens, expanding rules that currently limit chicken keeping to select rural and estate residential zones.

Why it matters: The change responds to growing interest in backyard chicken keeping and would legalize hens in many Redlands neighborhoods while adding updated standards aimed at preventing noise and sanitation problems.

Key details: The ordinance expands where hens are allowed to most single-family residential zones, including specific plan areas.

• Sets limits based on lot size:
  • No hens allowed on lots under 4,000 square feet
  • Up to 3 hens on lots 4,000–7,200 sq. ft.
  • Larger lots could keep more, up to nine hens maximum per property
• Requires a minimum 10-foot by 20-foot outdoor open yard area.
• Requires coops and related structures to be:
  • 5 feet from side and rear property lines
  • 15 feet from street side setbacks
  • 10 feet from the main residence
• Clarifies no Animal Services permit would be required.
• Allows incidental egg sales but prohibits slaughtering chickens on residential properties.

Council discussion: Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw asked whether the city should require a no-fee registration system to track backyard chickens in case of a bird flu outbreak. Staff said the administrative burden outweighed the benefit and said complaints could be handled through standard enforcement.

Shaw also asked staff to confirm that incidental egg sales would comply with California Department of Food and Agriculture regulations. Staff said similar allowances already exist in other parts of the city and said they would ensure compliance.

Council member Paul Barich noted the ordinance allows for hens and rabbits but not roosters, citing noise concerns.

No public comments were made, and the city clerk reported no written comments were received.

The council voted 5-0 to introduce Ordinance No. 2999 and approve Resolution No. 8747. The ordinance is expected to return for a final vote at the next City Council meeting before it can take effect.