Stockton, CA Animal Ordinances: Livestock (2026)

Stockton Municipal Code Chapter 6.04 and Development Code Section 16.80.060 regulate animal keeping within city limits. Hogs, swine, shoats, pigs (including pot-bellied pigs), roosters, cockerels, and wild animals are prohibited within the city. Hen chickens and ducks are permitted on developed residential lots subject to the standards in Table 3-14 of the Development Code. All hen chickens and ducks must be kept within an enclosure situated at least 20 feet from the nearest neighboring dwelling on an adjacent parcel. Enclosures must be located in the side or rear yard behind a solid fence, structure, or wall. No poultry may be kept in the front yard on any developed residential lot. All chickens and ducks must be confined in a pen, coop, cage, or other enclosure when not being supervised by the owner. Roosters are explicitly banned throughout the city. Slaughter of chickens or ducks is prohibited on any residentially zoned lot. Other domestic or wild animals (excluding dogs, cats, and household pets) are unlawful to keep except where permitted by the specific zoning district. First violations are infractions with fines up to $100. Second or subsequent violations within one year are misdemeanors with fines up to $1,000 or up to six months in county jail. Animal-keeping nonconforming uses that existed before the Development Code adoption may continue under SMC Chapter 16.228.