San Mateo County, CA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Parcel 2,500–7,500 sq ft
- up to 6 birds
- Parcel over 7,500 sq ft
- up to 10 birds
- Roosters
- prohibited
- Species allowed
- chickens, ducks only
- Applies to
- unincorporated R-1 districts
Summary
Unincorporated San Mateo County R-1 lots may keep a small number of chickens and ducks by right, up to six on parcels of 2,500 sq ft or more, ten on parcels over 7,500 sq ft, but roosters and all other livestock are barred.
On parcels of at least 2,500 sq. ft. in size, and in compliance with the conditions set forth in Title 8, Chapter 8.380 of the San Mateo County Ordinance Code, the keeping of no more than six (6) of the following domestic poultry: chicken and ducks. Roosters are prohibited. ... the keeping of no more than ten (10) of the following domestic poultry: chicken and ducks. Roosters are prohibited.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 47).
Full Breakdown
In the county's R-1 (one-family residential) district, keeping pets is allowed outright, and parcels of at least 2,500 square feet may also keep up to six chickens or ducks; parcels over 7,500 square feet may keep up to ten. Roosters are prohibited outright, and other farm animals, goats, sheep, pigs, horses, are not permitted in R-1; those require an A-1 agricultural parcel instead. This rule governs unincorporated pockets only; the county's 20 cities set their own poultry rules.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the poultry count, keeping a rooster, or housing non-poultry livestock on an R-1 lot is a zoning violation subject to code enforcement, which can order the birds removed or reduced to the legal limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep chickens on my unincorporated San Mateo County lot?
Can I keep goats or sheep in a regular R-1 neighborhood?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Mateo County
How San Mateo County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·California rules heatmap·Compare San Mateo County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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