Can I keep chickens in Modesto, CA?
Yes — Modesto allows backyard chickens, up to 12 hens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 40 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Modesto Municipal Code Sec. 10-3.202 (Animals and Fowl), verified September 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 12 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 40 ft |
| Coop rules | Maximum 12 domestic fowl (hens only) per dwelling unit. Coops at least 40 feet from any window or door of a habitable building and at least the required side yard from any property line. Fowl not kept in habitable buildings must be in pens, coops or cages. Additional fowl only by conditional use permit. |
| Code section | Modesto Municipal Code Sec. 10-3.202 (Animals and Fowl) |
Modesto permits up to 12 domestic fowl (hens only) per dwelling unit in the residential zones as a permitted use (Sec. 10-3.202(a)(3)). Coops must be at least 40 feet from the window or door of any building used for human habitation and at least the required side-yard distance from any property line. More than 12 requires a conditional use permit. Roosters are not allowed.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Modesto?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Modesto (Modesto Municipal Code Sec. 10-3.202 (Animals and Fowl)).
How many chickens can I keep in Modesto?
Up to 12 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Modesto?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Modesto.
Are roosters allowed in Modesto?
No — roosters are prohibited in Modesto.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Modesto?
40 feet minimum. Maximum 12 domestic fowl (hens only) per dwelling unit. Coops at least 40 feet from any window or door of a habitable building and at least the required side yard from any property line. Fowl not kept in habitable buildings must be in pens, coops or cages. Additional fowl only by conditional use permit.
What law covers backyard chickens in Modesto?
Modesto Municipal Code Sec. 10-3.202 (Animals and Fowl). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Modesto Municipal Code Sec. 10-3.202 (Animals and Fowl) — read the official code
“Maximum of 12 hens permitted in R-1 residential zoning districts with 40-foot setback from occupied dwellings” source
“10-3.202 - Animals and Fowl. (a) The keeping of the following animals and fowl is a permitted use in the residential zones: ... (3) A maximum of twelve (12) domestic fowl (hens only), rabbits, hares, or domestic animals customarily considered to be household pets per dwelling unit.” source
“(c) There shall be a minimum of forty (40) feet between the window or door of any building used for human habitation and pens, coops, cages or similar housings where animals and fowl, except household pets, are kept. ... (d) There shall be a minimum separation equal to the required side yard between any property line and any pens, coops, cages or similar housings for animals and fowl.” source
Last verified September 6, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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