The Quest for Chickens in Whittier, CA

[RebekahG77]

I'm so excited to find a few more chicken lovers in Whittier! Let's use this spot to brainstorm how we can work on getting the ordinance changed.

goldenpoppy had a great idea of possibly setting up a booth at the Wednesday street fair to gain interest/support. Any other ideas?

 

[NSWSNYDER]

Guess what?! Check out what the Senior Planner at LA County sent me. ;-) WE ARE LEGAL!!!


Chickens
Reference: Sections 22.20.080, 22.24.080, 22.24.60, and 22.52.300
Q: How many chickens may be kept for personal use in the R-1 and A-1 zones and in
the A-2 zone on a lot of less than one acre?
A: The problem of chickens and how to properly counsel the public on their regulation has
surfaced again. This is a recurring incidence that should be settled.
Several years ago an ordinance was prepared to regulate chickens; this went to hearing before
the Regional Planning Commission. After several hearings the commission rejected the
ordinance as being unnecessary. It is the legislative intent not to regulate chickens as
proposed in the ordinance.
Therefore, when public questions arise with respect to the keeping of chickens in residential
areas, there are several rules to follow:
Title 22
DRP Subdivisions and Zoning Interpretations and Procedures Manual Page 15
1. There is no set number of chickens that a person is permitted or prohibited from
keeping.
2. All chickens maintained on a piece of property must be for the personal use of the
occupants of that property.
3. There should be no commercial activity with respect to the chickens.
4. The raising and breeding of fighting cocks is regulated by Sheriff's Vice.
5. Other problems related to chickens can be regulated either by the Health Department,
the Department of Animal Control, or through a public nuisance.
In essence, simply advise that chickens are permitted to be maintained solely for the personal
use of the occupants. The keeping of chickens should not be promoted, nor should illegalities
be inferred when keeping chickens. There is no authority to enforce other than what is advised
above.
[9/8/1993 – Rudy Lackner, Land Use Regulation]

 

[DiMarco]

Hi everyone - New Member in Whittier - was wondering on the city's code about raising chickens - went through the online Whittier website and no mention of raising chickens - only that they are 'fowl' and not to be confused with pigeons!?

Anyways, was wondering on other local Whittier residents raising chickens to network with as I'm a newbie.

Thanks for the above info.

 

[zteagirl71]

Great! We can legally keep chickens in Whittier, yay! My family lives in unincorporated Whittier, and just down the street on Lambert there is a house that has quite a few chickens in their very exposed to the public yard. A friend of my husband who lives near Adventure Park has chickens as well as a friend in Uptown. We are in the planning stages of chicken ownership. Still trying to figure out which breeds to buy and the coop design, and feeding equip. etc.

 

[jandrusrn]

I'm in Long Beach and we're having a community forum about urban farming! How about you guys coming down and helping out??

So I thought I'd post this for those of you in my general area.... I'm in Long Beach and there is a community forum this coming week to discuss changing laws for urban farming. Here's what I know and read:

Residents are invited to share their thoughts on raising backyard livestock, and potential changes to the City's laws on chickens, goats and bees in residential areas.

The first public meeting will be held on Monday, June 11, at 6:30 pm at the Long Beach Community Action Partnership, 3012 Long Beach Blvd. The second meeting will be held on Thursday, June 14, at 6:30 pm at the Whaley Park Com...munity Center, 5620 E. Atherton St. The same content will be discussed at both meetings.

Public feedback gathered at these two meetings will be presented to the City Council's Environmental Committee, which is scheduled to consider the matter on Tuesday, June 26. The City's current ordinance allows livestock in some areas of Long Beach, but not in others. The Environmental Committee is considering an ordinance that may standardize the City's livestock ordinance throughout the City, and create new standards for allowing chickens, goats and bees in residential areas.


I know loads of you aren't from my area, but it may be a good opportunity for those of us who would like to see things change to voice an opinion. Thanks everyone, Jane

 

[Zitro]

Thanks for the information, I too live in the incorporated section of Whittier the other side of Cal Hi and have been having a long time fight with my husband over having chickens...yeah I win! Thanks again for the news.Leslie Ortiz

 

[Geremias]

Hello Everyone,

Does the city allow Rooster in Whittier? Is there a limit for chickens?

Thank you,
Geremias

 

[702marine]

I am in the Whittier area till the 7th. I am looking for Silkie, Fizzle or Sizzle chicks in any color other than white. If anyone has them please let me know. Thank you...

 

[andresgarciaco]

I'm also in Whittier, I'm keeping three chickens and looking for some more. I always thought they would b illegal since Whittier is very strict with everything. Good od to know it's legal.

 

[Linc]

Could someone clarify. Whittier has an "unincorporated area"(LA county jurisdiction) and an "incorporated area"( Whittier City proper).
Is this Chicken Win for both? I will be living in Incorporated city of Whittier and the code enforcement dept. said "no way".
You all have got my hopes up. Please let me know.
TY Linc