California Laws on Chicken Coops

The State of California has several laws in each city pertaining to owning chickens within city limits. The chicken coop setback laws, from various California cities, are established to buffer noise and eliminate complaints. Although the ordinances vary, some pertaining to residential zoning districts are very similar.

  1. Oakland, California

    • Chickens are permitted in Oakland in an enclosed coop no more than 20 feet from any dwelling unit, church or school. The city's code does not establish a limit on the number of chickens. Roosters are not allowed in any residential zoning district. Information on the zoning ordinance can be found in Section 6.04.320 (Keeping of Fowl) of the city's code, which is available on the City of Oakland website.

    San Diego, California

    • The San Diego ordinance allows chickens within the city limits with several restrictions. The maximum number allowed is 25 chickens, which must be confined in an area no more than 50 feet from any residential dwelling unit. The owner must store food in rat-proof containers and clean chicken droppings once a week. The ordinance is on the city's website under Code Section 42.0709 (Fowl, Rabbits, Racing or Homing Pigeons or Fancy Pigeons, Maintenance Regulations and Exceptions).

    San Jose, California

    • The City of San Jose permits chickens in residential areas. Up to four chickens are allowed in a fenced-in area at least 15 feet from the nearest occupied dwelling unit that is not owned by another chicken keeper. An owner can have additional chickens with a further setback: six chickens fenced in at a distance of 20 feet from the neighboring structure, eight chickens at 30 feet, 10 chickens at 40 feet and 25 at 50 or more feet. A permit is required from the health officer for six or more chickens. The city's website has additional information.

    Los Angeles County

    • Cities within Los Angeles County regulate the distance of chicken coups at no more 35 feet from a livable area, such as a bedroom or kitchen, in a residential zoned district. The county's health department enforces this ordinance to eliminate the number of coops allowed in the cities.