Backyard Chickens in Hayward, California

Can you keep chickens in Hayward?

Thinking about raising hens in Hayward? The City welcomes backyard chicken keeping, but does require a Zoning Conformance Permit and adherence to lot-size and setback standards under the Hayward Municipal Code. Here's what Peggy's Happy Chickens found when we checked the actual city rules.

Yes – with conditions

Yes. Hayward allows residents to keep backyard hens, but a Zoning Conformance Permit (ZCP) is required before you establish a flock. Hens, ducks, pigeons, and rabbits are all classified as "small livestock/household pets" under the Hayward Municipal Code (HMC), and the number you may keep is not a flat number but is instead dependent on your lot size and the amount of open area available for the birds (HMC § 10-1.2735). Roosters are not allowed in Hayward's residential zones. Applicants must go through the City's e-Permit Portal, and the coop/enclosure must meet minimum setback distances from neighboring homes and property lines.

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: No Set Limit
Roosters: No
Permit required: Yes
Permit cost: $124
Setback from property line: 40 ft.

Peggy knows Hayward

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Hayward does not set a flat hen cap; instead the number of birds you may keep is tied to lot size and available open area under HMC § 10-1.2735. Commonly cited standards for the permit review include:

Lot must generally be at least 5,000 sq. ft.
A minimum of roughly 200 sq. ft. of open area per chicken must be available on the property.
The coop/enclosure must be set back at least 20 ft. from any property line and at least 40 ft. from any dwelling on the same or an adjoining lot.
A secure fence sufficient to contain the birds on the property is required.
The City's general regulations (HMC § 10-1.2705) waive the Zoning Conformance Permit requirement for household pets only where the enclosure sits at least 40 ft. from any residence — otherwise a ZCP is mandatory.
Roosters are not permitted in residential zones.
The current Zoning Conformance Permit fee for small livestock/household pets is $124, reviewed and approved by the Planning Director.

Because the exact bird count is evaluated case-by-case against lot size and open space, prospective keepers should contact the Hayward Planning Division (planning.division@hayward-ca.gov, 510-583-4216) to confirm how many hens their specific property can support.

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Hayward

🌡️ Climate

Mediterranean / USDA Zone 9b-10a

Hayward sits on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay and enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with cool, foggy summers near the bay and warmer, drier conditions further inland/uphill. Winters are mild and wet, with rare frost. This climate is generally very comfortable for backyard chickens year-round, though coops should have good ventilation for warm inland afternoons and some wind/rain protection during the winter rainy season.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkFoxCoyoteSkunkOpossum

Hayward's mix of urban neighborhoods and adjacent open hillside/regional parkland means backyard flocks can encounter raccoons, opossums, and skunks raiding coops at night, along with red-tailed hawks and other raptors during the day. Coyotes and foxes are increasingly seen in and around East Bay neighborhoods near open space, so secure, buried hardware-cloth fencing and a fully enclosed run are strongly recommended.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Rhode Island Red, Plymouth Rock, Australorp, Orpington, Wyandotte

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

Questions people ask about Hayward

▸Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Hayward?

Yes. A Zoning Conformance Permit (ZCP) is required for hens and other small livestock/household pets under HMC § 10-1.2735, reviewed by the Planning Director.

▸How many hens can I keep in Hayward?

There is no single fixed number — the allowable flock size depends on your lot size and the amount of open area available for the birds. Commonly cited guidance suggests roughly 200 sq. ft. of open area per chicken on lots of at least 5,000 sq. ft.

▸Are roosters allowed in Hayward?

No. Roosters are not permitted in Hayward's residential areas.

▸How far from my neighbor's house does my coop need to be?

Coops/enclosures generally must be set back at least 40 ft. from any neighboring dwelling and at least 20 ft. from any property line.

▸How much does the chicken-keeping permit cost in Hayward?

The Zoning Conformance Permit application fee for small livestock/household pets (including hens) is currently $124.

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Hayward or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked August 6, 2026.