Can I keep chickens in San Diego, CA?
Yes, with conditions — San Diego allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 25 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 50 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (SDMC 42.0709, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 25 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 50 ft |
| Coop rules | Tiered: 5 hens at 50 ft; 15 hens at 50-100 ft; 25 hens at 100+ ft setback from neighboring residences. |
| Code section | SDMC 42.0709 |
San Diego allows chickens with tiered limits based on setback distance from neighbors: 5 hens at 50 ft, 15 hens at 50-100 ft, up to 25 hens at 100+ ft.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in San Diego?
Yes, with conditions — San Diego allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (SDMC 42.0709).
How many chickens can I keep in San Diego?
Up to 25 hens. Tiered by lot size: 5 up to 21,780 sq ft; 15 up to 43,560 sq ft; 25 up to 500,000 sq ft. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in San Diego?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in San Diego.
Are roosters allowed in San Diego?
No — roosters are prohibited in San Diego.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in San Diego?
50 feet minimum. Tiered: 5 hens at 50 ft; 15 hens at 50-100 ft; 25 hens at 100+ ft setback from neighboring residences.
What law covers backyard chickens in San Diego?
SDMC 42.0709. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
SDMC 42.0709 — read the official code
“Up to 5 fowl at 50 feet setback; up to 15 fowl at 50-100 feet; up to 25 fowl at 100+ feet from neighboring residences” 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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