Stockton allows hen chickens and ducks on residential lots under SMC 16.80.060. Roosters are banned citywide. Coops must be 20+ feet from neighboring dwellings. No permit required.
Stockton adopted an Urban Agriculture Ordinance allowing residents to keep hen chickens and ducks on developed residential lots. Under SMC Section 16.80.060, the maximum number of hens and ducks is determined by Table 3-14 based on lot size and zoning district. All chickens and ducks must be confined in a pen, coop, cage, or other enclosure when not supervised by the owner. Enclosures must be located at least 20 feet from the nearest neighboring dwelling on an adjacent parcel and must be situated in the side or rear yard behind a solid fence, structure, or wall. Chickens and ducks cannot be kept in the front yard. Roosters and cockerels are expressly prohibited within City limits under the municipal code. Slaughtering of chickens on residentially zoned lots is also prohibited. Beekeeping is allowed under the same Urban Agriculture Ordinance. Livestock such as hogs, pigs, and shoats are prohibited within City limits. No permit is needed for backyard chickens as long as all zoning and setback requirements are met.
Keeping roosters or prohibited livestock within City limits may result in code enforcement action and animal removal. Failure to maintain proper enclosures or setbacks may result in warnings and citations. Each day of violation may constitute a separate offense.
Stockton, CA
Stockton does not regulate year-round residential lawn ornaments (statues, gnomes, flamingos, religious figures, sports themes) by size, quantity, or content...
Stockton, CA
Stockton does not regulate residential inflatable holiday displays by size, height, or motor noise. They qualify as exempt holiday decorations under SMC Chap...
Stockton, CA
Stockton expressly exempts holiday decorations from sign permit requirements under SMC Chapter 16.76 (Sign Standards). The only formal requirement is that ho...
Stockton, CA
A built-in outdoor kitchen in Stockton typically requires building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits from the Building & Life Safety Department u...
Stockton, CA
Stockton has no ordinance specifically addressing residential backyard smokers, but SMC Chapter 16.32 (General Performance Standards) declares dense smoke, n...
Stockton, CA
Stockton adopts the California Fire Code at SMC Chapter 15.12. Under CFC §308.1.4 as adopted, open-flame cooking devices may not be operated on combustible b...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Joaquin County.
See how other cities in San Joaquin County handle chickens & livestock.
See how Stockton's chickens & livestock rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.