Alameda County unincorporated areas generally allow chickens on residential parcels with setback requirements. Roosters and larger livestock are limited to agricultural zones. Minimum lot sizes apply for multiple animals.
Alameda County Zoning Ordinance permits a limited number of hens (typically up to 4 to 6) on single-family residential lots in unincorporated areas, with coops set back at least 15 feet from dwellings and 25 feet from neighboring dwellings. Roosters are generally prohibited in R-1 districts due to noise and are limited to A (Agricultural) zones. Larger livestock (goats, sheep, horses) require minimum lot sizes, usually one-half acre for small animals and two to five acres for horses, and must be kept in A or RA (Rural Agricultural) zones. California Civil Code 3482.5 (Right to Farm) protects pre-existing agricultural operations from nuisance suits by later-arriving neighbors. Keepers must comply with Vector Control sanitation rules.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Alameda County, CA
Alameda County noise ordinance (Chapter 6.60) sets detailed dB limits by zone and time. Residential nighttime (10 PM–7 AM): 45 dBA for 30+ min/hr, up to 65 d...
Alameda County, CA
Outdoor music in unincorporated Alameda County requires compliance with residential decibel limits and typically a temporary use or special event permit for ...
Alameda County, CA
Alameda County unincorporated areas allow leaf blowers during general construction/maintenance hours. California AB 1346 bans the sale of new gas-powered lea...
Alameda County, CA
Unincorporated Alameda County regulates RV parking through zoning ordinance. 72-hour street limit applies. Specific requirements vary by PD and zoning district.
Alameda County, CA
Alameda County unincorporated areas require driveways to be paved, maintain clear sight lines, and not block sidewalks or public right-of-way. Encroachment p...
Alameda County, CA
Alameda County Zoning Code §17.52.430 limits fences to 4 feet in required front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards. A 2-foot limit applies within 30 fee...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Alameda County.
See how other cities in Alameda County handle chickens & livestock.
See how Sunol's chickens & livestock rules stack up against other locations.
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