| Are chickens allowed in San Francisco? | Yes |
| How many chickens can you have? | 4 |
| Can you have roosters in San Francisco? | No |
| Chicken coop placement rules: | Coops in backyard, 5 feet from side or back lot lines, and 20 feet from neighbors. |
| Application process: | No permit required |
| More information: | San Francisco Environment Department |
Fresh eggs aren’t just for the farmer’s market in San Francisco. You can get them straight from your own backyard.
In San Francisco, California, the regulations for maintaining backyard chickens include:
- Quantity of chickens. Homeowners are permitted to keep up to four chickens on their property.
- Rooster prohibition. Roosters are disallowed due to noise-related concerns.
- Coop size and positioning. Chicken coops need to be placed in the rear yard, maintaining a minimum distance of 20 feet from adjacent residential structures. Coops must also be situated a minimum of 5 feet away from side or rear property lines.
- Cleanliness and maintenance of coops. It is essential to maintain a clean, dry, and well-ventilated chicken coop to avoid potential health hazards and nuisances such as odors or vermin.
- Permits and licensing. There is no specific permit required for keeping backyard chickens in San Francisco, provided that the number of chickens and other requirements are met.
- Adherence to health and safety regulations. Backyard chicken owners must comply with relevant health and safety regulations, which include rules regarding the sale of eggs or meat.
To verify compliance with local regulations, consult the most recent guidelines and contact the appropriate authorities in San Francisco.
Start Raising Chickens
See other California chicken ordinances.
Last updated: 4/26/24