| Are chickens allowed in San Jose? | Yes |
| How many chickens can you have? | Must be reasonable for the size of the property and coop |
| Can you have roosters in San Jose? | At least 20 feet away from any neighboring residence and in the rear yard |
| Chicken coop placement rules: | None |
| Application process: | No permit required |
| More information: | San Jose Municipal Code |
Here are the relevant laws related to backyard chicken keeping in San Jose, California:
- San Jose, California allows residents to keep chickens on their property for non-commercial purposes, but they must obtain a permit from the city’s Planning Department before doing so.
- Chicken coops must be located in the rear yard of the property and must be at least 20 feet away from any neighboring residence.
- Chicken coops must be designed to prevent the escape of chickens and must be predator-proof.
- Roosters are allowed, but only one per property.
- There is no limit to the number of hens a resident can keep, but the number must be reasonable and consistent with the size of the property.
- Chicken owners are not allowed to sell eggs or meat produced by their chickens.
- Chickens must be provided with a clean and sanitary environment, including clean water and food, and adequate shelter from the elements.
- Chicken owners are responsible for maintaining their coop and keeping it clean to prevent the accumulation of waste and pests.
- The city may conduct periodic inspections of chicken coops to ensure compliance with regulations.
It is important for chicken owners in San Jose to obtain the necessary permits and comply with these regulations to avoid fines or legal action.
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See other California chicken ordinances.
Last updated: 4/27/24