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Madera council introduces ordinance to ban roosters in city limits
Summary
On July 1, 2026 the Madera City Council introduced an ordinance amending Section 5-1.31 of the municipal code to prohibit roosters in residential areas, citing repeated noise complaints; the motion to waive first reading and introduce the ordinance passed 6–1.
Chief Gino Cheramie, who identified himself as representing the Menifee Police Department, told the council the city has seen a steady rise in calls about noisy roosters and recommended an amendment to Section 5-1.31 to allow only hens and pullets in residential zones. "The ongoing crowing impacts the quality of life," Cheramie said, arguing a rooster-specific prohibition would give staff a clearer enforcement standard and reduce lengthy nuisance determinations.
The ordinance would preserve backyard poultry limits (three small livestock animals total) and exempt properties zoned or used for agriculture or industry. Councilmembers sought clarification about related provisions: the city attorney confirmed the change would remove male chickens from the residential-allowable list and staff recommended waiving further reading and introducing the ordinance by title only, with the council determining the project is exempt under CEQA guidelines (section 15061(b)(3)).
Councilmember Mejia raised concerns that a full ban would prevent residents who want to breed chickens for household food supply from keeping any rooster, saying she would "be in favor of allowing one, at least," to permit small-scale reproduction. Councilmember Montes and others noted the ordinance does not change the three-animal total and emphasized the change is narrowly targeted at male chickens to address noise. Councilmember Rodriguez moved to waive first reading and introduce the ordinance; the motion passed with six votes in favor and one opposed.
The action taken was to waive further reading and introduce by title only an ordinance amending subsection A of section 5-1.31 of Title 5 of the Madera Municipal Code to prohibit roosters in residential areas. The council record shows the motion was introduced and seconded on the floor; the vote tally was recorded as six in favor and one opposed. The ordinance will return for a subsequent reading and formal adoption vote at a later meeting.
The council also discussed enforcement logistics, the continued allowance of three small livestock animals in total, and the agricultural exemption. No additional data on the number of rooster-related calls was provided at the meeting; staff said specific call-volume figures were "not available" during the presentation.
