Backyard Chickens in Santa Clara, California

Can you keep chickens in Santa Clara?

Thinking about raising hens in Santa Clara? The city allows backyard chickens under its animal-keeping code, but there are firm limits on numbers, distance from neighboring homes, and roosters. Here's what Peggy's Happy Chickens found after reading the actual Santa Clara Municipal Code.

Yes – with conditions

Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Santa Clara, California, but they are regulated together with a variety of other small animals under Chapter 6.15 of the Santa Clara City Code (SCCC), 'Keeping of Certain Animals.' The code states that it shall be unlawful for any person to keep or maintain any equine animal, any bovine animal, any sheep, hog or goat, any live hare, rabbit, chicken, duck, turkey, goose, pigeon or other fowl except as provided in this chapter (§ 6.15.010). Chickens are permitted as long as owners comply with the quantity limits, distance ('nearness to dwelling') rules, and sanitation requirements set out in the chapter.

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: 6
Roosters: conditional
Permit required: Yes
Setback from property line: 50 ft.

Peggy knows Santa Clara

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Quantity (§ 6.15.070): Not more than six animals, in all, including hares, rabbits, guinea pigs, feline, bovine, sheep, hogs, goat, chickens, turkeys, geese, ducks, game birds, or other fowl or any combination thereof shall be kept on any premises within the city, unless operating commercially in conformance with zoning and state law. The City Manager may approve up to 25 animals total after a notice-and-review process considering lot size, noise, odor, and proximity to neighboring residences (§ 6.15.070(b)-(e)).

Distance from dwellings (§ 6.15.020): No person shall keep any live hare, rabbit, chicken, turkey, goose, duck, pigeon, game bird or other fowl or exotic animal within fifty (50) feet of any dwelling unit other than the dwelling unit of the owner of such animal or fowl, without a permit. That permit is issued by the city's housing coordinator only after confirming the animal can be kept without harming its health or the health/safety of others, and generally requires written approval from adults in any dwelling unit within 50 feet.

Roosters (§ 6.15.025): No rooster over four months old shall be kept on any premises within the city, unless the premises involved are operating on a commercial basis in conformance with existing zoning regulations and State statutes governing their operations. In practice, roosters are not permitted on typical residential lots.

Fencing/containment (§ 6.15.010(b)): Any person maintaining any such animal or fowl within the city shall keep the premises upon which such is kept fenced, or if such animal is staked, so as to keep the animal or fowl from leaving the premises... and shall not permit such animal or fowl to run at large upon the street or upon the property of any other person.

Sanitation (§ 6.15.060): No person shall, at any time, maintain any lot or other premises... upon which any animal is kept, in an unsanitary condition, or in a condition that attracts flies/insects or creates noxious odors. Housing must be structurally sound, prevent escape, and be appropriately sized for the animals kept (§ 6.15.020(c)).

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Santa Clara

🌡️ Climate

Mediterranean (USDA Hardiness Zone 9b/10a)

Santa Clara enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers typical of the South Bay/Silicon Valley area. Summer daytime temperatures often reach the 80s-90s°F, so coops should have good ventilation and shade, while winter lows rarely drop below freezing, meaning minimal cold-weather protection is needed.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkCoyoteOpossumSkunk

Suburban Santa Clara backyards commonly border creeks, parks, and greenbelts that support raccoons, opossums, and skunks, all of which are skilled at breaking into poorly secured coops at night. Red-tailed hawks and other raptors are frequently seen overhead and pose a daytime threat to free-ranging birds, while coyotes have become increasingly common in South Bay neighborhoods near open space. Secure, hardware-cloth-covered runs and a covered, latched coop are strongly recommended.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Leghorn, Plymouth Rock, Australorp, Easter Egger, Orpington

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

Questions people ask about Santa Clara

▸How many chickens can I keep in Santa Clara without special approval?

Up to six animals total (this shared cap covers chickens along with other small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, ducks, and geese) can be kept without special approval under § 6.15.070. If you want more, the City Manager can approve up to 25 animals after a neighbor-notice review process.

▸Are roosters allowed in Santa Clara?

Generally no. Section 6.15.025 prohibits keeping any rooster over four months old on residential premises, unless the property is operating on a commercial basis in compliance with zoning and state law.

▸Do I need a permit to keep chickens close to my neighbor's house?

Yes. Under § 6.15.020, you need a permit from the city's housing coordinator if your chickens (or other covered fowl/animals) will be kept within 50 feet of any dwelling unit other than your own.

▸What sanitation rules apply to backyard coops?

Section 6.15.060 prohibits keeping any lot in an unsanitary condition, and animal enclosures must not create fly/insect infestations or noxious odors. Housing must also be structurally sound and prevent animals from escaping (§ 6.15.020(c)).

▸Can my chickens free-range in my yard?

Chickens must be kept on a fenced or otherwise secured premises and cannot be allowed to run at large on streets or neighboring properties, per § 6.15.010(b).

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Santa Clara or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked August 7, 2026.