Alameda County, CA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Livestock/poultry in any R district
- A-district exemption
- Up to 75 poultry or rabbits
- Issuing authority
- Director of Field Services
- Permit term
- Up to 3 years
- Scope
- Unincorporated county areas only
Summary
Unincorporated Alameda County requires an animal fanciers permit to keep poultry, rabbits, or other livestock in residential zones; agricultural-zoned parcels get an exemption up to 75 birds or rabbits.
Any person desiring to keep or maintain, or keeping or maintaining: A. Any commercial fur bearing animals, any poultry, rabbit, goat, cow, sheep, horse, mule, pony or similar livestock on any premises, in all zoning districts, except those districts designated "A" (agriculture)...; or B. More than seventy-five (75) poultry and rabbits...in any zoning district designated "A" (agriculture) shall obtain an animal fanciers permit in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
Full Breakdown
In unincorporated Alameda County, Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, Ashland, Cherryland and similar communities, keeping poultry, rabbits, or other livestock in any R (residential) zoning district requires an animal fanciers permit from the county director of field services (County Code § 5.12.010). On parcels zoned "A" (agricultural) under Title 17, up to 75 poultry or rabbits may be kept without a permit; more triggers the same permit requirement under § 5.12.090. Permits run up to three years, require a clean and sanitary premises, and can be denied, suspended, or revoked for nuisance conditions or cruelty violations. This county code governs only unincorporated territory, it does not apply inside Oakland, Berkeley, or the county's other incorporated cities, each of which sets its own rules.
Violations & Fines
Keeping poultry, rabbits, or livestock without a required animal fanciers permit, or violating permit conditions, can result in permit denial, suspension, revocation, or impoundment of the animals by the director of field services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Castro Valley?
How many chickens can I keep without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Alameda County
How Alameda County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·California rules heatmap·Compare Alameda County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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