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

The City of Fremont regulates the keeping of chickens and other poultry and livestock through its Zoning Ordinance. In single-family residential zones (R-1), the keeping of a limited number of hens is permitted as an accessory use on the property, reflecting the Bay Area's strong backyard urban farming movement. Property owners in R-1 zones may keep up to six hens without obtaining a special permit, conditional use permit, or home occupation permit.

Roosters are prohibited in all standard residential zoning districts — R-1, R-2, R-3, and higher-density residential zones — due to the noise disturbance their crowing creates for neighboring residents. There are no exceptions to the rooster prohibition in standard residential zones.

Chicken coops, runs, and enclosures must comply with the following requirements: they must be located in the rear yard only (not in the front yard or side yard); they must be set back at least twenty feet from any dwelling on an adjoining property; they must be constructed and maintained to prevent escape of the birds and entry of predators; and they must be kept clean and sanitary at all times. The coop and enclosure must not create odor, pest, rodent, fly, or noise nuisances that affect neighboring properties. Stored feed must be kept in sealed, rodent-proof containers. Waste and soiled bedding must be removed regularly and disposed of properly — composting on-site is permitted if the compost pile is maintained properly and does not create odor issues.

Fremont does not require a permit specifically for keeping chickens within the six-hen limit, but the coop structure itself may require a building permit if it exceeds 120 square feet in floor area or is attached to another structure. Portable or prefabricated coops under 120 square feet that are freestanding and do not require a permanent foundation are generally exempt from the building permit requirement.

Larger livestock — including horses, goats, sheep, pigs, cows, and llamas — are generally prohibited in standard residential zones. Some properties in Fremont with agricultural (A), estate residential, or planned district zoning may permit livestock keeping, subject to minimum lot size requirements that typically begin at one-half acre to one acre depending on the type of animal. Properties in the Niles and Mission San Jose hillside areas may have zoning designations that accommodate larger animals.

Fremont contracts with the Tri-City Animal Shelter (serving Fremont, Newark, and Union City) for animal control services. Animal-related complaints — including noise from chickens, unsanitary conditions, and prohibited animal keeping — may be reported to Tri-City Animal Shelter at (510) 790-6640. Zoning-related animal keeping questions should be directed to the Fremont Planning Division at (510) 494-4440.