| Are chickens allowed in San Diego? | Yes |
| How many chickens can you have? | 5 |
| Can you have roosters in San Diego? | No |
| Chicken coop placement rules: | Coops on rear half of property and 15 feet from neighbors and 5 feet from side or rear lot lines. |
| Application process: | No permit required |
| More information: | San Diego Municipal Code |
Sunny San Diego is a great place to keep a few chickens in your backyard.
In San Diego, California, the following conditions apply for keeping backyard chickens:
- Chicken limits. Residents can generally keep up to five chickens on their property. But more are allowed in instances where you place the coop farther from property lines.
- Rooster restrictions. Roosters are not allowed, primarily due to noise concerns.
- Requirements for coop size and location. Chicken coops must be situated in the rear half of the property, with a minimum distance of 15 feet from neighboring residences. The coop should also maintain a distance of at least 5 feet from any side or rear property lines.
- Sanitation and maintenance of coops. Proper cleaning and upkeep of chicken coops are crucial to prevent potential health risks and nuisances, such as odors or pests. Coops should be clean, dry, and well-ventilated.
- Licensing and permits. No specific permit is required for keeping backyard chickens in San Diego, as long as the number of chickens and other requirements are met.
- Health and safety regulations compliance. Owners of backyard chickens should adhere to health and safety regulations, including those related to the sale of eggs or meat.
To ensure compliance with local laws, always consult the most recent regulations and contact the relevant authorities in San Diego, California, regarding backyard chicken keeping.
Start Raising Chickens
See other California chicken ordinances.
Last updated: 4/26/24