Pets, chickens and bees in Downey: the local rules

Each rule below links to the section of the Downey Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Downey's code says

Downey code What Downey's code adds
Chickens	Yes, up to 5 chickens, rabbits, pigeons and similar animals in any combination per lot. Applies: No roosters; animals other than household pets must be at least 50 feet from any home, including homes on other lots. § 9514.02 · code text Chickens, rabbits, pigeons, and the like shall not exceed five on a lot in any combination thereof, except that, up to a maximum of 100 Racing/Homing Sport Pigeons shall be permitted in R-1 Zones subject to a Conditional Use Permit approval as required by Section 9824 of the Municipal Code.
Coop setback	At least 10 feet from any separate accessory building. Applies: Applies to racing or homing pigeon lofts in R-1 zones. § 9514.02 · code text No loft structures shall be closer than 10 feet to any separate accessory buildings. At least 35 feet from any residential building, including on other lots. Applies: Applies to racing or homing pigeon lofts, which must be behind the main home. § 9514.02 · code text Pigeons and the lofts where they are to be kept shall be kept to the rear of the main dwelling and be no less than 35 feet from any building involving a residential occupancy (including buildings on other properties) and at least 100 feet from any school or hospital or a similar institutional use. At least 100 feet from any school, hospital or similar institution. Applies: Applies to racing or homing pigeon lofts. § 9514.02 · code text Pigeons and the lofts where they are to be kept shall be kept to the rear of the main dwelling and be no less than 35 feet from any building involving a residential occupancy (including buildings on other properties) and at least 100 feet from any school or hospital or a similar institutional use.
Large animals	Horses need a lot of at least 20,000 square feet; no more than 3 horses per lot. § 9514.04 · code text Horses shall not be permitted on a lot having an area less than 20,000 square feet and shall not exceed three on a lot. Live pigs or hogs are not allowed in any zone. § 9514.04 · code text No person shall keep or maintain any live pig or hog of any age in any zone.
Permit	A Conditional Use Permit is needed to keep up to 100 racing or homing pigeons. Applies: Only in R-1 zones. § 9514.02 · code text up to a maximum of 100 Racing/Homing Sport Pigeons shall be permitted in R-1 Zones subject to a Conditional Use Permit approval as required by Section 9824 of the Municipal Code. City approval is required. Applies: Applies to reptiles and other animals the code classes as wild and vicious animals. § 9514.04 · code text All other animals, reptiles, and the like shall be classified as wild and vicious animals, and an approval, as set forth in Section 4272.1 of Chapter 2 of Article IV of this Code shall be required for the keeping of such animals.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I keep chickens or bees at my home in Downey?

Downey's code: Yes, up to 5 chickens, rabbits, pigeons and similar animals in any combination per lot. (No roosters; animals other than household pets must be at least 50 feet from any home, including homes on other lots.) (§ 9514.02); At least 10 feet from any separate accessory building. (Applies to racing or homing pigeon lofts in R-1 zones.) (§ 9514.02).

Pets, chickens and bees in Downey

What Downey's code says

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