Chickens & Livestock: Daly City vs San Mateo
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Daly City, CA and San Mateo, CA?
San Mateo has fewer restrictions than Daly City.
Daly City, CA
San Mateo County
Daly City is a fully built-out inner-ring Bay Area suburb with no agricultural zoning. Keeping of poultry, fowl and livestock is regulated under Daly City Municipal Code Title 6 (Animals) and Title 14 (Planning, Zoning and Development). All residential parcels are zoned R-1 through R-4 (single-family through high-density multi-family), none of which permit livestock as a by-right use. Roosters, large fowl, and farm animals (goats, sheep, hogs, cattle) are not allowed in any residential district. State animal-cruelty and care standards in Cal. Penal Code §597 apply on top of local zoning.
View full Daly City rules →San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
The City of San Mateo allows chickens in residential zones with limitations. Roosters are generally prohibited due to noise. The city's zoning code regulates animal keeping through the land use provisions in Title 27. San Mateo County Animal Control enforces animal-related complaints.
View full San Mateo rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Daly City | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| Code title | Daly City Muni Code Title 6 (Animals) | - |
| Zoning | No agricultural/residential-ag district exists | - |
| Roosters | Functionally prohibited (noise) | Generally prohibited — noise |
| Livestock (goats, hogs, cattle) | Not permitted in residential zones | - |
| State cruelty law | Cal. Penal Code §597 | - |
| Hens | - | Permitted in residential zones |
| Coops | - | Setback requirements apply |
| Livestock | - | Not in standard residential zones |
| Animal Control | - | Peninsula Humane — 650-340-7022 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Daly City FAQ
Can I keep backyard hens in Daly City?
Daly City's zoning code does not include an agricultural or rural-residential district, and Title 6 (Animals) plus Title 7 (Health and Sanitation) regulate fowl-keeping with sanitation, odor, and nuisance limits. Confirm the current rule and any limits on hen counts with the Daly City Economic and Community Development Department before acquiring birds. Roosters are effectively barred because their crowing violates city noise standards.
Are goats, sheep, or pigs allowed?
No. Daly City has no zoning district that permits livestock as a by-right use, and Title 6 plus Title 7 of the municipal code regulate animal keeping for sanitation and nuisance. Keeping a goat, sheep, hog, or cow on a residential lot would violate the zoning code and is subject to citation.
What state law applies on top of the city rules?
Cal. Penal Code §597 makes it a crime to neglect or abuse any animal in the state, including failing to provide food, water, shelter, and veterinary care. AB 829 (2024) strengthened protections for certain wildlife. Violations can be charged as misdemeanors or felonies with fines up to $20,000.
San Mateo FAQ
Can I keep chickens in San Mateo?
Hens are permitted in residential zones with limitations on quantity. Roosters are generally prohibited due to noise impacts.
Where does my chicken coop need to be?
Coops must meet accessory structure setback requirements in Title 27 and be maintained in sanitary condition.
Can I keep goats or horses in San Mateo?
Livestock is generally not permitted in standard residential zones. Agricultural zoning or a special permit may be required.
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