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

The City of San Leandro regulates the keeping of chickens and livestock through the San Leandro Municipal Code and Zoning Ordinance. As a primarily suburban city with a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and apartment complexes, San Leandro takes a moderate approach to backyard poultry — more permissive than some Bay Area cities but with clear limits to protect neighborhood character.

Chickens (hens): Hens are permitted in single-family residential zones (RS zones) in San Leandro. The city limits the number of hens to a maximum of 6 per residential parcel. This limit is designed to allow hobby-scale egg production while preventing commercial-scale operations in residential areas. Chicken coops and enclosures must meet the following requirements: the coop must be located in the rear yard, not the front yard or street-facing side yard; the coop must be set back at least 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling unit; the coop and run must be maintained in a clean, sanitary condition with regular waste removal to prevent odor and fly attraction; the enclosure must be secured against predators (raccoons, opossums, rats, skunks, and raptors are common in San Leandro); and feed must be stored in sealed, rodent-proof containers. Chicken keeping in multi-family residential zones (apartments, condominiums) is generally not permitted unless the property has sufficient outdoor space and the property owner or HOA permits it.

Roosters: Roosters are prohibited in all residential zones in San Leandro. The crowing of roosters constitutes a noise disturbance incompatible with residential neighborhoods. Residents who discover that a chick they raised has turned out to be a rooster must re-home the bird or find an appropriate non-residential location. Violation of the rooster prohibition may result in an order to remove the animal within 72 hours.

Goats, sheep, and pigs: Standard residential zones in San Leandro do not permit the keeping of goats, sheep, pigs, or similar medium-sized livestock. These animals are restricted to properties with agricultural zoning or lots meeting minimum acreage requirements. Some residents have sought variances or conditional use permits for miniature goats (Nigerian Dwarf, Pygmy breeds) for vegetation management purposes, but approvals are considered on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed.

Horses and cattle: Horses, cattle, and other large livestock are prohibited in standard residential zones and restricted to agricultural or equestrian-zoned properties. San Leandro has very limited agriculturally zoned land.

Rabbits: Domestic rabbits kept as household pets are generally permitted in residential zones. Outdoor rabbit hutches must be maintained in a sanitary condition and secured against predators. Hobby-scale rabbit breeding that results in excessive numbers may trigger nuisance enforcement.

Bees: Beekeeping (apiculture) is practiced by some San Leandro residents. While the city does not have a specific beekeeping ordinance, hive management that prevents swarms and nuisance conditions is expected. Residents considering beekeeping should contact the Community Development Department for guidance.

Animal keeping complaints and enforcement are handled by Alameda County Animal Services at (510) 337-7595 for animal control issues, and by San Leandro Code Enforcement at (510) 577-6003 for zoning and nuisance violations related to animal keeping.