San Diego, CA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Chickens Allowed
- Up to 5 hens
- Roosters
- Prohibited
- Side Setback
- 5 feet
- Rear Setback
- 13 feet
- Code Section
- SDMC 42.0709
Summary
San Diego permits up to 5 chickens (hens only, no roosters) on single-family lots under SDMC Section 42.0709. Coop must be in the rear yard, 5 feet from side property lines and 13 feet from rear. Larger livestock (goats, sheep) allowed on lots of 1 acre or more with additional setbacks.
Chickens may be kept and maintained on a property of a single-family residence, a community garden or a retail farm in accordance with the following: No roosters are permitted. Up to five chickens may be kept when the coop is located outside of all required setbacks. Up to 15 chickens may be kept when the coop is located 15 feet from all property lines and outside of all required setbacks, whichever is greater. Up to 25 chickens may be kept when the chickens are located at least 50 feet from any building used as a residence. A chicken coop shall be provided and must be predator-proof, easily cleaned, well vented and large enough to provide for the free movement of chickens. The outdoor enclosure shall be predator-proof, easily cleaned, fenced to keep the chickens on the property and a minimum of 10 square feet per chicken.
Full Breakdown
SDMC Section 42.0709, amended in 2012, allows residents of single-family homes to keep up to 5 chickens provided: the coop is located in the rear yard, at least 5 feet from side property lines and 13 feet from the rear property line. Roosters are prohibited in all residential zones due to noise. The coop and run must be maintained in sanitary condition per SDMC 62.668. Community gardens and retail farms may also keep chickens. Larger livestock (goats, sheep, horses) is permitted on lots of 1 acre or more, with animals kept at least 50 feet from any dwelling on an adjacent lot. Pot-bellied pigs are classified as miniature pigs and may be kept as companion animals on residential lots subject to conditions. All animals must be prevented from running at large.
Violations & Fines
Code enforcement citations for exceeding limits or violating setbacks. Unsanitary conditions may result in animal removal. Roosters subject to immediate citation under noise ordinance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep chickens in San Diego?
Can I keep goats in San Diego?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego
How San Diego compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Chickens & Livestock in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Diego County handle chickens & livestock.