Marin County · CA
Can you keep backyard chickens in Kentfield, CA?
Yes, up to 12. Kentfield is unincorporated, so it follows the Marin County animal standards (County Code Chapter 22.32, Table 3-6): up to 12 chickens are allowed, more only with a Use Permit, and roosters aren't permitted. Kentfield's larger, gentler lots usually give a flock real room, so placement is about using space well rather than fighting for it.
Kentfield, CA · at a glance
- Hens allowed
- Up to 12; more only with a Use Permit (Marin County Code Ch. 22.32, Table 3-6)
- Roosters
- Not permitted (excluded under the County animal standards)
- Setback
- Set by the Marin County standards; confirm for your parcel
- Permit
- None up to 12 hens; Use Permit required beyond 12
- HOA
- Check your CC&Rs
Confirmed against Kentfield's municipal code. Your personalized report applies it to your exact parcel. Sources: sananselmo-ca.granicus.com · Marin County Code Ch. 22.32 (Standards for Specific Land Uses), Table 3-6
Kentfield is leafy, flat-to-rolling and unincorporated, sitting along Corte Madera Creek near College of Marin. Lots here tend to be generous and well-treed, which makes for some of the easier henhouse siting in the county. Because it's county land, the rules come from Marin County, not a city hall.
Setbacks and placement
Kentfield's larger lots let us put the henhouse where shade, drainage and daily access are best rather than wherever fits. Near Corte Madera Creek we raise and drain the pad against winter water. The wooded edges bring coyotes and the occasional bobcat through at night, and deer browse freely, so we close the run fully and plan the surrounding planting around the deer.
Neighbors
With more space between homes, Kentfield flocks are low-friction neighbors. The County standards keep roosters out anyway, and the generous lots mean placement away from property lines is usually easy.
Climate
Kentfield is mild and partly sheltered, warmer than the coast but cooler than inland Novato, with the usual wet Marin winters. The creek and heavy tree cover mean some lots stay damp and shaded, so drainage and a dry henhouse floor are the things to get right.
Predators in Kentfield
The local predators worth planning for are Coyotes, Raccoons, Hawks, Bobcats. Every Modern Hen install is built to handle them: half-inch hardware cloth on every opening, a buried apron, a hardware-cloth ceiling and two-step latches a raccoon can't open.
A quick-start checklist
- Keep up to 12 hens under Marin County's standards; a Use Permit is needed beyond 12
- Read your CC&Rs if you're in an HOA
- Use the larger lot to place the henhouse for shade, drainage and easy access
- Raise and drain the pad if you're near Corte Madera Creek
- Close the run fully for coyotes and bobcats, and plan around deer
- Choose a flock sized to your space and set a simple routine
Want the exact rules for your address?
We'll read your municipal code and send a plain-language report on what's allowed at your parcel. One email, no follow-ups.