Monterey County Rooster-Keeping Rules Face October 27 Hearing for Unincorporated Properties

PRUNEDALE, Calif. — Residents who keep roosters in unincorporated Monterey County should follow a October 27, 2026 public hearing on changes to the county’s animal and zoning rules. The proposal could affect nonagriculturally zoned properties in both inland and coastal parts of the county, including some rural residential neighborhoods.

Under agenda item ORD 26-018 / REF260024, the Board of Supervisors was asked to consider repealing County Code Chapter 8.50, which governs keeping five or more roosters, and moving rooster-keeping restrictions into zoning ordinances.

Which properties are under discussion?

The proposed inland changes would amend Title 21 of the Monterey County Code; coastal-area changes would amend Title 20. Both proposals focus on non-agriculturally zoned property in unincorporated areas. Residents should not assume the rules for agricultural parcels, incorporated cities or every kind of poultry would change in the same way.

The proposal includes an environmental-review finding and, for the coastal regulations, a process that would send the amendments to the California Coastal Commission for certification. That means the legal process may extend beyond a single county meeting.

How residents can check the proposed restrictions

Homeowners, renters and small farm operators should consult the county’s actual draft ordinances before changing how they care for animals. The Legistar item links draft text for both inland and coastal zones, the older rooster provision and the Planning Commission recommendation.

Primary source: Monterey County Board of Supervisors, ORD 26-018, October 27 hearing and draft ordinances.

Published October 27, 2026. This report describes proposed rules and does not state that any ordinance has been adopted.

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