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Oakland Chicken Laws

Are chickens allowed in Oakland?Yes
How many chickens can you have?No official limits
Can you have roosters in Oakland?No
Chicken coop placement rules:Coops in backyard, 5 feet from property lines, and 20 feet from neighboring buildings.
Application process:No permit required
More information:Oakland municipal code

There are some limits, but in general, Oakland is a solid city for building your backyard flock.

In Oakland, California, the following conditions apply for maintaining backyard chickens:

  • Number of chickens. Homeowners are permitted to have as many hens as they like as long as they follow healthy and safety rules.
  • Rooster restrictions. Roosters are not allowed, mainly to prevent noise disturbances.
  • Coop placement and dimensions. Chicken coops must be located in the rear yard and kept a minimum of 20 feet away from neighboring homes. In addition, coops should be positioned at least 5 feet from any side or rear property lines.
  • Cleanliness and maintenance of coops. Chicken coops must be kept clean, dry, and well-ventilated to avoid potential health hazards and nuisances, such as foul odors or pests.
  • Licensing and permits. No specific permit is required for keeping backyard chickens in Oakland, as long as the homeowner complies with the regulations concerning the number of chickens and other requirements.
  • Compliance with health and safety regulations. Backyard chicken owners are required to adhere to health and safety regulations, which include rules regarding the sale of eggs or meat.

To guarantee that you are following current regulations, consult the most recent guidelines and contact the relevant authorities in Oakland, California, concerning backyard chicken keeping.

See other California chicken ordinances.

Last updated: 4/26/24