Backyard Chickens in San Jose, California

Can you keep chickens in San Jose?

Thinking about raising hens in the Capital of Silicon Valley? San José allows backyard chickens on residential lots, with simple rules on flock size, setbacks, and a strict no-rooster policy designed to keep the peace in dense suburban neighborhoods.

Yes – with conditions

Yes. San José's Municipal Code (Title 7 – Animal Care and Control, Part 7 – Small Animals and Livestock) allows residents to keep hens on residential property. The code defines "small animals" to include rabbits, chickens, turkeys, geese, ducks, doves, pigeons, game birds, or other fowl (§ 7.10.205). Up to 6 chickens may be kept without a permit, while 10 or 20 birds may be kept with a permit depending on the distance of the coop from neighboring dwellings. Under § 7.60.815 (Proximity to Dwelling Unit – Small Animals), it is unlawful to maintain more than the maximum number of small animals within designated distances from the nearest dwelling unit other than the permittee's. Roosters are not permitted in any area zoned Residential (§ 7.60.820, prohibiting maintenance of a rooster over four months of age).

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: 6
Roosters: No
Permit required: No
Setback from property line: 20 ft.

Peggy knows San Jose

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Chickens must be kept at least 20 feet away from a dwelling unit — no permit is required if you keep fewer than 6 chickens, but a permit is required if you keep more than 6 chickens. The San José Municipal Code scales the allowable flock size to the coop's distance from the nearest neighboring dwelling: fewer than 20 ft = 0 birds allowed; 20–40 ft = up to 6; 40–50 ft = up to 10 (with permit); and more than 50 ft = up to 20 (with permit). Small animals kept under a permit may not be located within any side setback area as defined by the zoning code (§ 7.60.810). Coops are also generally expected to be placed in the rear yard of the property. Roosters of any age over four months are prohibited citywide in residential zones, regardless of permit status.

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in San Jose

🌡️ Climate

Mediterranean (USDA Hardiness Zone 9b–10a)

San José enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers (often 80–90°F) and cool, wet winters that rarely dip below freezing. This climate is very forgiving for chicken-keeping, though owners should still provide shade and ventilation during summer heat waves and ensure coops stay dry during the winter rainy season.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkCoyoteOpossumSkunk

San José's foothill and creekside neighborhoods border wildland areas, so raccoons, opossums, skunks, and red-tailed hawks are common visitors to backyard coops, and coyotes are increasingly seen in suburban parks and greenbelts. Secure, fully-enclosed runs with hardware cloth (not chicken wire) and a covered top are recommended.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Leghorn, Plymouth Rock, Australorp, Orpington, Easter Egger

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

Questions people ask about San Jose

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

Up to six hens may be kept without a permit, as long as the coop is at least 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling.

▸Can I keep more than 6 chickens in San José?

Yes, but you'll need a permit, and the maximum allowed (10 or 20 birds) depends on how far your coop is from the nearest neighboring dwelling — the farther away, the more birds are allowed.

▸Are roosters allowed in San José?

No. Roosters over four months old are prohibited in residential zones citywide, regardless of permit status.

▸How far must my coop be from my neighbor's house?

At least 20 feet from the nearest dwelling unit (other than your own); fewer than 20 feet is not permitted at all under the small-animal proximity rules.

▸Where should I locate my chicken coop on my property?

Coops are generally expected to be in the rear yard and cannot be placed within any required side setback area for permitted flocks.

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with San Jose or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked August 3, 2026.