Chickens & Livestock: Castro Valley vs San Leandro
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Castro Valley, CA and San Leandro, CA?
Castro Valley and San Leandro have similar restriction levels.
Castro Valley, CA
Alameda County
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.
View full Castro Valley rules →San Leandro, CA
Alameda County
Backyard hens allowed in San Leandro: up to 6 hens on single-family lots, no roosters, coop setback 10 feet from dwellings and property lines.
View full San Leandro rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Castro Valley | San Leandro |
|---|---|---|
| Hens allowed | 4-6 residential typical | - |
| Rooster | Agricultural zones only | - |
| Coop setback | 15ft dwelling / 25ft neighbor | 10 feet |
| Horses | 2-5 acre minimum | - |
| Right to Farm | CA Civil Code 3482.5 | - |
| Hen limit | - | 6 hens |
| Roosters | - | Prohibited |
| Sanitation | - | Required |
| Egg sales | - | Cottage food rules |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Castro Valley FAQ
Can I keep a rooster in unincorporated Castro Valley?
Generally no in R-1 single family zones. Roosters require agricultural zoning due to nuisance noise.
Do I need a permit for a backyard chicken coop?
A building permit is required if the structure exceeds 120 square feet. All coops must meet setback and sanitation rules.
San Leandro FAQ
Who enforces this in San Leandro?
San Leandro code enforcement at (510) 577-3394 handles most complaints. Alameda County agencies handle regional issues.
Who enforces this in San Leandro?
San Leandro code enforcement at (510) 577-3394 handles most complaints. Alameda County agencies handle regional issues.
Compare other topics
See how Castro Valley and San Leandro compare on other ordinance categories.
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