Backyard Chickens in Fremont, California

Can you keep chickens in Fremont?

Thinking about raising hens in Fremont, California? The city allows backyard chickens on larger residential lots, but the rules hinge heavily on your lot size, enclosure setbacks, and whether you want more than the no-permit limit of six. Here's what Fremont's municipal code actually requires before you build that coop.

Yes – with conditions

Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Fremont, but only on residential lots larger than 6,000 square feet. On real property zoned residential with an area of more than 6,000 square feet, a pet owner may keep up to a maximum combined total of six female chickens, rabbits, pigeons, and doves, unless a permit is issued (Fremont Municipal Code § 6.10.040). On lots under 6,000 sq ft, chickens are not permitted at all. Roosters are banned city-wide on residential property — a pet owner may not keep any roosters or livestock, except goats (§ 6.10.030). Keepers who want more than six chickens must obtain an Animal Fancier's Permit, and the number of such chickens allowed shall be based on lot size: lots of 10,000 sq ft or more may have up to 10 chickens, and lots of one-half acre or more may have up to 15 chickens (§ 6.40.025).

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: 6
Roosters: No
Permit required: No
Permit cost: $122
Setback from property line: 10 ft.

Peggy knows Fremont

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Fremont's chicken-specific enclosure rules are set out in FMC § 6.10.130 and § 6.10.040:

Lot size threshold: No chickens at all are allowed on lots of 6,000 sq ft or less. Lots over 6,000 sq ft may keep up to 6 female chickens (mixed with rabbits/pigeons/doves, max 2 species per lot) without a permit.
Enclosure size: The enclosure where chickens are kept must be a minimum size of 10 square feet of permeable land per chicken (§ 6.10.130(a)).
Setback table (§ 6.10.130(b)): 1–5 chickens require at least 10 ft from any property line (lots 6,001–9,999 sq ft); 6–10 chickens require 35 ft (lots 10,000–21,779 sq ft); 11–15 chickens require 50 ft (lots 21,780 sq ft or more, i.e., roughly half an acre+).
Permits for larger flocks: More than 6 chickens requires an Animal Fancier's Permit (§ 6.40.025) — up to 10 chickens on lots 10,000+ sq ft, up to 15 chickens on lots of one-half acre or more.
No front-yard coops: No enclosure or shelter shall be located in the front yard of the property where the animals are kept (§ 6.10.070(f)).
Sanitation: no person, so keeping or maintaining such animals, shall fail at any time to keep the coops, pens or yards wherein such animals are enclosed in a clean and sanitary condition nor shall fail to remove the manure or other debris from such enclosures daily (§ 6.10.070(d)).
Offspring: Any chicks hatched that push a flock over the allowed limit must be removed no later than four weeks after weaning (§ 6.10.050(a)).

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Fremont

🌡️ Climate

USDA Hardiness Zone 9b

Fremont sits in the East Bay's Mediterranean climate belt — mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers with very little frost. This near-frost-free, temperate climate is highly favorable for keeping chickens year-round, with minimal need for winter heating in the coop, though summer heat (occasionally into the 90s°F) means good ventilation and shade are important.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkCoyoteOpossumSkunk

Fremont's proximity to open space preserves and regional parks like Coyote Hills means backyard flocks face pressure from raccoons (skilled at opening simple latches), red-tailed hawks hunting by day, and coyotes and opossums that will target eggs, chicks, or unprotected birds at night. Secure, hardware-cloth-covered runs and predator-proof coop doors are strongly recommended given the city's 10–50 ft setback requirements keep coops relatively close to yard edges.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Rhode Island Red, Australorp, Plymouth Rock, Orpington, Easter Egger

Our package comes with two Rhode Island Reds – hardy in heat and cold, and friendly with kids.

Questions people ask about Fremont

▸How many chickens can I keep in Fremont without a permit?

On a residential lot larger than 6,000 square feet, you may keep up to six female chickens (combined with any rabbits, pigeons, or doves) without a permit, per FMC § 6.10.040. Lots of 6,000 sq ft or less cannot keep chickens at all.

▸Are roosters allowed in Fremont?

No. Fremont Municipal Code § 6.10.030 states a pet owner may not keep any roosters or livestock on residential property, with an exception only for goats under a permit.

▸Do I need a permit for more than six chickens?

Yes. Under FMC § 6.40.025, an Animal Fancier's Permit is required for more than six chickens, allowing up to 10 chickens on lots of 10,000+ sq ft, or up to 15 chickens on lots of one-half acre or more.

▸How much does a Fremont animal fancier's permit cost?

Per the City's current fee schedule, a permit costs $122 for one year, $153 for two years, or $184 for three years (discounted senior rates of $20/$40/$60 are also available).

▸How far must a chicken coop be from my property line?

Under FMC § 6.10.130, the required setback scales with flock size and lot size: 10 ft for 1–5 chickens, 35 ft for 6–10 chickens, and 50 ft for 11–15 chickens, measured from any property line.

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Fremont or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked August 4, 2026.