Can I keep chickens in San Francisco, CA?
Yes — San Francisco allows backyard chickens, up to 4 hens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 20 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (SF Health Code Article 1, Section 37, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 4 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 20 ft |
| Coop rules | Up to 4 poultry total (all species combined). Setback 20 ft from residential doors/windows. Roosters prohibited. |
| Code section | SF Health Code Article 1, Section 37 |
San Francisco allows maximum 4 poultry of any species combined. Roosters are prohibited. 20-foot setback from residential building doors and windows required.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in San Francisco?
Yes — chickens are allowed in San Francisco (SF Health Code Article 1, Section 37).
How many chickens can I keep in San Francisco?
Up to 4 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in San Francisco?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in San Francisco.
Are roosters allowed in San Francisco?
No — roosters are prohibited in San Francisco.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in San Francisco?
20 feet minimum. Up to 4 poultry total (all species combined). Setback 20 ft from residential doors/windows. Roosters prohibited.
What law covers backyard chickens in San Francisco?
SF Health Code Article 1, Section 37. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
SF Health Code Article 1, Section 37 — read the official code
“No more than four fowl of any kind shall be kept upon any lot” source
Last verified June 13, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
Reach people actively researching backyard chickens in their city. Founding sponsor slots now open.
Apply to become a sponsor →