Marin County · CA
Can you keep backyard chickens in Larkspur, CA?
Yes, up to 12. Larkspur adopted the Marin County animal standards, which superseded its old fowl ordinance, so the County rule applies: up to 12 chickens are allowed, more only with a Use Permit, and roosters aren't permitted (Marin County Code Chapter 22.32, Table 3-6). What really shapes a Larkspur build is the split between the shady, damp canyon lots and the sunnier flats.
Larkspur, CA · at a glance
- Hens allowed
- Up to 12; more only with a Use Permit (Larkspur follows Marin County Code Ch. 22.32, Table 3-6)
- Roosters
- Not permitted (excluded under the adopted County standards)
- Setback
- Set by the Marin County standards; confirm for your address
- Permit
- None up to 12 hens; Use Permit required beyond 12
- HOA
- Check your CC&Rs
Confirmed against Larkspur'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 (adopted by Larkspur)
Larkspur runs from the redwood-shaded depths of Baltimore Canyon down to the flatter, sunnier streets near downtown and Heather Gardens. Where your lot sits on that gradient changes everything about a henhouse here. We read the light and the water first, then design.
Setbacks and placement
In the canyon we fight damp and shade: a raised, level pad, strong drainage and the sunniest dry spot we can find. On the flats it's more about afternoon shade. Coyotes drift down out of the canyon and open space at night and raccoons work the creek corridor, so a buried apron and a fully closed run go in either way.
Neighbors
Larkspur follows the County standards, so roosters are out and a clean, well-vented henhouse is what keeps the peace on close, shaded canyon lots. A friendly heads-up to the neighbors settles most questions before they come up.
Climate
Larkspur is a town of microclimates. Up in Baltimore Canyon the redwoods keep things cool, shaded and damp well into the day, while the flats near downtown get more sun and warmth. The canyon's shade and creek-fed moisture make winter drainage and a dry henhouse the priority there.
Predators in Larkspur
The local predators worth planning for are Raccoons, Coyotes, Hawks, Skunks. 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 the adopted County standards; a Use Permit is needed beyond 12
- Read your CC&Rs if you're in an HOA
- If you're in Baltimore Canyon, plan for shade, damp and drainage first
- On the flats, focus on afternoon shade and airflow
- Predator-proof for canyon coyotes and creek-corridor raccoons
- Skip the rooster and keep the henhouse clean and well-vented
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.