Can I keep chickens in Hayward, CA?
Yes, with conditions — Hayward allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. Coops must be at least 5 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Hayward Municipal Code § 10-1.2735(i) (Livestock, Apiaries, and Household Pets), verified September 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Permit required | Yes ($124) |
| Coop setback | 5 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 4,000 sq ft |
| Coop rules | Hens require a Zoning Conformance Permit ($124, Planning Director approval); the Director sets the maximum number based on lot size, configuration and location. Minimum lot 4,000 sq ft and at least 36 sq ft of open area per bird. Coops must sit behind the principal structure, at least 5 ft from any property line and 6 ft from any dwelling on the same or adjoining lot, no taller than 6 ft, inside a secure fence. |
| Code section | Hayward Municipal Code § 10-1.2735(i) (Livestock, Apiaries, and Household Pets) |
Hayward treats hens, ducks and pigeons as small livestock/household pets that may be kept on residential lots of at least 4,000 sq ft with a Zoning Conformance Permit ($124) approved by the Planning Director, who sets the number of birds for each site. Each bird needs 36 sq ft of open area; coops go behind the house at least 5 ft from property lines and 6 ft from any dwelling, no taller than 6 ft. The code does not set a fixed hen cap.
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(i) (Livestock, Apiaries, and Household Pets)).
How many chickens can I keep in Hayward?
It depends on your lot. No fixed count in the code: the Planning Director sets the maximum per site through the Zoning Conformance Permit. Minimum lot 4,000 sq ft; 36 sq ft of open area per bird.. 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: $124).
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Hayward?
5 feet minimum. Hens require a Zoning Conformance Permit ($124, Planning Director approval); the Director sets the maximum number based on lot size, configuration and location. Minimum lot 4,000 sq ft and at least 36 sq ft of open area per bird. Coops must sit behind the principal structure, at least 5 ft from any property line and 6 ft from any dwelling on the same or adjoining lot, no taller than 6 ft, inside a secure fence.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Hayward?
Yes — 4,000 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in Hayward?
Hayward Municipal Code § 10-1.2735(i) (Livestock, Apiaries, and Household Pets). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Hayward Municipal Code § 10-1.2735(i) (Livestock, Apiaries, and Household Pets) — read the official code
“RA zones: 1 fowl per 200 sq ft; 40-ft setback; requires Administrative Use Permit” source
“(2) Maximum Number of Animals. The maximum number of livestock or any other animals allowed pursuant to this section is subject to a determination by the Planning Director that the site is suitable, including consideration of size, configuration and location, and can support the number of livestock or other animals without creating nuisance problems for surrounding residential properties. ... (c) For poultry, the minimum available open area per animal shall be 36 square feet.” source
“(b) For exotic animals, poultry or other birds, the minimum lot area shall be 4,000 square feet, or greater, depending on the species of the animal, as determined by the Planning Director. ... (b) Fowl: In no case shall hens, ducks, pigeons, or other small fowl be kept on a parcel that is less than 4,000 square feet in size.” source
“A Zoning Conformance Permit is required for apiaries, unattended collection boxes and small livestock/household pets (i.e. hens, ducks, pigeons, rabbits). ZCPs require Planning Director approval and compliance with all the applicable regulations in HMC Section 10-1.2735. ... for small livestock/Household pets is $124.” source
Last verified September 20, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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