Chickens & Livestock: El Cajon vs Escondido
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between El Cajon, CA and Escondido, CA?
Escondido has fewer restrictions than El Cajon.
El Cajon, CA
San Diego County
El Cajon allows up to 10 chickens in single-family residential zones at 1 per 100 sq ft of unpaved rear yard. No roosters. Chickens must be in fully enclosed runs with 10 sq ft per bird. Other livestock restricted to larger-lot zones.
View full El Cajon rules →Escondido, CA
San Diego County
Escondido allows chickens in residential zones: up to 25 in R-A and R-E zones, 6 hens (no roosters) in R-1. Coops must be 20 feet from any residence. Bovine animals permitted in some zones per Table 33-95a.
View full Escondido rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Cajon | Escondido |
|---|---|---|
| Chickens | Up to 10 (no roosters) | - |
| Density | 1 per 100 sq ft rear yard | - |
| Run Space | 10 sq ft per bird | - |
| Horses | Larger zones, 20K+ sq ft | - |
| R-1 Zone | - | 6 hens, no roosters |
| R-A/R-E | - | Up to 25 fowl |
| Coop Setback | - | 20 ft from residence |
| Code | - | Table 33-95a |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
El Cajon FAQ
Can I keep chickens in El Cajon?
Yes. Up to 10 chickens (no roosters) in single-family zones. Density is 1 bird per 100 sq ft of unpaved rear yard with enclosed runs.
What other animals can I keep?
Two dogs and two cats per dwelling. Horses on 20,000+ sq ft lots in qualifying zones. Rabbits, geese, and ducks (up to 6) in larger-lot zones.
Escondido FAQ
How many chickens can I keep in Escondido?
In R-1 zones: 6 hens, no roosters. In R-A and R-E zones: up to 25 fowl per parcel.
Can I keep goats in Escondido?
Goats are permitted in R-A and R-E zones with quantity limits per Table 33-95a. Not permitted in standard R-1 zones.
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