Can I keep chickens in Stockton, CA?
Yes — Stockton allows backyard chickens, up to 10 hens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 20 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Stockton Municipal Code, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 10 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 20 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Maximum 10 hens, no permit required. 20-ft from neighbor dwellings, 5-ft from property lines. Roosters banned, slaughter prohibited. |
| Code section | Stockton Municipal Code |
Stockton permits up to 10 hens with no permit required. Chickens must be 20 feet from neighboring dwellings and 5 feet from property lines. Roosters and slaughter are prohibited.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Stockton?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Stockton (Stockton Municipal Code).
How many chickens can I keep in Stockton?
Up to 10 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Stockton?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Stockton.
Are roosters allowed in Stockton?
No — roosters are prohibited in Stockton.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Stockton?
20 feet minimum. Maximum 10 hens, no permit required. 20-ft from neighbor dwellings, 5-ft from property lines. Roosters banned, slaughter prohibited.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Stockton?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Stockton's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Stockton?
Stockton Municipal Code. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Stockton Municipal Code — read the official code
“A maximum of ten chickens are permitted on single-family residential properties” 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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