So you have done the research, and have decided to become a backyard egg-rancher. How do you get started? I’m glad you asked.

STEP 1: Determine how many chickens are allowed on your property. Below is a chart of minimum lot sizes and the number of chickens allowed per lot:

At this time, the City of Corona does not allow Chickens on lots smaller than 5,000 square feet.

STEP 2: Print and read an application form. Where can I find this application form? You can follow this link: HERE or, visit the Corona Animal Shelter.

The Animal Shelter is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (excluding holidays) and is located at 1330 Magnolia Ave. Corona, CA 92879. Application Forms will be available to you at the Animal Shelter upon request.

STEP 3: After you have read the application form and determined that your property is eligible to house hens, fill out and sign the application. Please note that if you are not the owner of the property where you would like to keep hens, you must obtain the property owners permission and signature prior to submitting your application.

STEP 4: Make a diagram of your property and where you will place your coop. The diagram must be submitted on a standard 8.5"x11" sheet of paper. Make sure to include setback distances from all nearby dwellings including your own, and any Schools, Hospitals, Hotels or other similar institutions. Attach this diagram to your application.

STEP 5: Visit the Corona Animal Shelter at 1330 Magnolia Ave. Corona CA 92880, where you will turn in your application (diagram included!) and pay a non-refundable application fee of $115.

STEP 6: Your application will then be reviewed by Animal Services and Enforcement. If your application is incomplete, our department will contact you and let you know what is missing. While your application is under review, you may wish to prepare your yard for your new hens. If you decide to purchase a coop at this time, make sure that it is sturdy enough to keep the chickens in, and the varmints out.

STEP 7: An Animal Services Officer will contact you to set up a time for a visit to your property. We understand how valuable your time is. If we are not able to keep our appointment, we will notify you as soon as possible and reschedule. We would ask you to do the same.

STEP 8: An Animal Services Officer will visit you at your property and inspect the location. If there are any corrections that need to occur before your license is granted, the Officer will explain them to you at this time, and schedule another visit. If everything looks good, the Officer will give you a thumbs-up to go get your hens! The Officer will notify our office, and a License to Keep Hens will be generated and mailed to you.

STEP 9: Enjoy your new companions, and the fresh eggs that they provide!

Noise/Odor Complaints regarding fowl:

If a complaint is received regarding you keeping chickens on your property, the following process will apply.

For noise complaints: Corona Municipal Code (CMC) section 6.11 will apply.

1st Complaint, letter to owner
2nd Complaint, packet to RP
3rd Hearing conducted by Corona Animal Services and Enforcement representatives.
4th If deemed nuisance, revoke permit

Odor/cleanliness of chicken coops:

Corona Animal Services officers will conduct a site inspection for cleanliness. If needed, officers will issue notice to correct and follow up with an additional site inspection. Your permit WILL be revoked if the condition is not corrected.

Alternatively, Animal Services Officers can use CMC 8.12.010 "Fly Control" section within the cleanliness guidelines.