Can I keep chickens in Hayward, CA?
Yes, with conditions — Hayward allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 50 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 40 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Hayward Municipal Code § 10-1.2735(f), 10-1.3500, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 50 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($500) |
| Coop setback | 40 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sq ft |
| Coop rules | Poultry allowed in RA (Rural Residential) zones only with Administrative Use Permit ($500 fee). Space-to-animal ratio: 1 fowl per 200 sq ft of lot area. 40-ft setback from adjacent dwellings, 20-ft from property lines. |
| Code section | Hayward Municipal Code § 10-1.2735(f), 10-1.3500 |
Hayward permits poultry in RA zones only with permit (1 fowl per 200 sq ft, max ~50 on typical lot). 40-foot setback required. Permit fee $500.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Hayward?
Yes, with conditions — Hayward allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Hayward Municipal Code § 10-1.2735(f), 10-1.3500).
How many chickens can I keep in Hayward?
Up to 50 hens. 1 hen per 0.005 sq ft of lot area, max 50. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Hayward?
Yes — Hayward requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $500).
Are roosters allowed in Hayward?
No — roosters are prohibited in Hayward.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Hayward?
40 feet minimum. Poultry allowed in RA (Rural Residential) zones only with Administrative Use Permit ($500 fee). Space-to-animal ratio: 1 fowl per 200 sq ft of lot area. 40-ft setback from adjacent dwellings, 20-ft from property lines.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Hayward?
Yes — 5,000 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in Hayward?
Hayward Municipal Code § 10-1.2735(f), 10-1.3500. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Hayward Municipal Code § 10-1.2735(f), 10-1.3500 — read the official code
“RA zones: 1 fowl per 200 sq ft; 40-ft setback; requires Administrative Use Permit” source
Last verified June 13, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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