Dublin, CA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Per the City of Dublin, the keeping of livestock (including poultry) in any residential district is regulated through Alameda County, and an Animal Fanciers Permit is required for anyone wanting to keep livestock such as chickens. The City's Residential Restrictions page states plainly that 'Keeping of livestock is prohibited' for residential lots absent that permit. The Animal Fanciers Permit is issued through the Alameda County Sheriff's Office, with applications and information handled by the East County Animal Shelter (925-803-7040). The City's zoning framework reinforces this: keeping livestock, or more than two dogs or two cats, as accessory to a residence in an 'R' (Residential) district is only allowed under a valid Animal Fanciers Permit as referenced in Chapter 5.36 of the Municipal Code. The City does not publish its own specific backyard hen-count or coop-setback numbers; those operational standards are set through the county permit process rather than a stand-alone Dublin chicken ordinance. Residents wanting hens should therefore contact the East County Animal Shelter before acquiring birds, since keeping poultry without the required permit is treated as a prohibited use. Online third-party 'chicken ordinance' summaries citing a fixed hen limit or setback for Dublin could not be confirmed against the City's own published materials and should not be relied on.