Chickens & Livestock: Redwood City vs San Mateo
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Redwood City, CA and San Mateo, CA?
Redwood City and San Mateo have similar restriction levels.
Redwood City, CA
San Mateo County
Unincorporated San Mateo County allows backyard chickens and ducks on residential parcels of at least 2,500 square feet. Up to 6 birds are allowed on lots of 2,500 to 7,499 square feet and up to 10 on lots of 7,500 square feet or more. Roosters are prohibited, and birds must be kept in a rear-yard coop.
View full Redwood 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 | Redwood City | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum lot size | 2,500 sq ft (residentially zoned) | - |
| Up to 6 birds | Lots 2,500 to 7,499 sq ft | - |
| Up to 10 birds | Lots 7,500 sq ft or larger | - |
| Roosters | Prohibited | Generally prohibited — noise |
| Coop limits | Max 100 sq ft and 6 ft tall, in the rear yard | - |
| Administered by | County Planning and Building Department | - |
| 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.
Redwood City FAQ
How many chickens can I keep in unincorporated San Mateo County?
Up to 6 chickens or ducks on residentially zoned lots of 2,500 to 7,499 square feet, and up to 10 on lots of 7,500 square feet or larger, under the County Poultry Ordinance. The parcel must be at least 2,500 square feet to keep any poultry.
Are roosters allowed?
No. The County Poultry Ordinance prohibits roosters because of the noise they create. Only hens (chickens) and ducks are permitted under the residential poultry rules, kept in a rear-yard coop no larger than 100 square feet and no taller than 6 feet.
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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