El Monte Chickens & Livestock Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

El Monte's municipal code Title 8 governs the keeping of animals and fowl within city limits. The city allows residents to keep a limited number of hens on residential properties, provided the lot meets minimum size thresholds established in the zoning code. Roosters are prohibited in standard residential zones (R-1, R-2, R-3) because of the noise disturbance they create, though they may be kept on agriculturally zoned land. The maximum number of hens permitted on a qualifying residential lot is 12, and all chicken coops must maintain a minimum setback of 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling unit.

For larger livestock including horses, goats, sheep, and cattle, El Monte restricts keeping to parcels that are zoned for agricultural or equestrian use, or residential lots that exceed 20,000 square feet in zones that conditionally permit animal keeping. The San Gabriel Valley has historically included pockets of equestrian and semi-rural properties, and El Monte's code reflects this heritage while balancing the needs of a densely populated urban community of approximately 113,000 residents. Property owners seeking to keep livestock on non-agricultural parcels should consult the Planning Division for conditional use permit requirements.

All animal enclosures and pens must be constructed of durable materials, maintained in a sanitary condition, and kept free of accumulated waste and offensive odors. The city's code enforcement division responds to complaints regarding unsanitary animal keeping conditions, excessive noise from fowl, and animals kept in violation of zoning restrictions. Slaughtering of any animal on residential property is strictly prohibited under the municipal code.