Berkeley Chickens & Livestock Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Berkeley's approach to backyard chicken-keeping reflects the city's deep-rooted culture of urban agriculture, environmental sustainability, and local food production. The Ecology Center, the Berkeley community gardens network, and the City's own sustainability programs have long promoted small-scale urban farming, and the municipal code accommodates this by permitting residential chicken-keeping under reasonable conditions.

Hens (female chickens) may be kept in all residential zones in Berkeley without a special permit, subject to the following requirements: hens must be kept in a secure, enclosed coop or henhouse that provides adequate space, shelter from weather, and protection from predators (raccoons, hawks, and coyotes are common in Berkeley); the coop must be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition, free from offensive odors and pest infestations; the coop must meet setback requirements from neighboring structures and property lines (generally at least 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling and at least 5 feet from property lines, though specific distances may vary by zone); hens must be contained within the owner's property and may not run at large; and the keeping of hens must not create a nuisance — including excessive noise, odors, or attraction of rodents — that disturbs neighbors.

Roosters (male chickens) are prohibited in all residential zones in Berkeley due to the noise they generate. The crowing of roosters is considered a noise nuisance under the BMC, and the keeping of roosters in residential areas will result in a code enforcement action requiring their removal.

The number of hens permitted is generally understood to be up to 6 in standard residential zones, though the BMC does not specify a rigid numeric cap for all zones. The appropriate number is evaluated based on lot size, coop conditions, and whether the chickens create nuisance conditions. On larger lots or in agricultural overlay zones (if applicable), more birds may be acceptable.

Beyond chickens, Berkeley's animal regulations permit the keeping of other small livestock in residential zones with certain limitations. Miniature dairy goats (such as Nigerian Dwarf goats) may be kept in some residential zones subject to lot size minimums and setback requirements. Ducks and other domestic fowl are regulated similarly to chickens — hens only, with coop requirements and nuisance standards. Rabbits may be kept for personal use. Larger livestock such as horses, cattle, pigs, and full-size goats are generally not permitted in standard residential zones and are limited to areas with agricultural zoning or large lot sizes.

Berkeley's animal regulations are enforced by Alameda County Animal Control (the City contracts with the County for animal services) and by Berkeley Code Enforcement. The primary enforcement triggers are neighbor complaints about noise, odor, unsanitary conditions, or animals running at large. Residents considering chicken-keeping are encouraged to communicate with their immediate neighbors and maintain their coops to the highest standard to avoid complaints.

The sale of eggs produced by backyard chickens is permitted for personal use and small-scale neighborhood sharing. Commercial-scale egg production from a residential property would require a home occupation permit and compliance with California Department of Food and Agriculture egg safety regulations.