Can I keep chickens in San Jose, CA?
Yes — San Jose allows backyard chickens, up to 20 hens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 20 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (San Jose Municipal Code Sec. 7.60.700, 7.60.815, 7.60.820, verified September 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 20 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 20 ft |
| Coop rules | Chickens count as 'small animals.' No permit for up to six; seven or more require a permit from Animal Care and Services. The coop's distance to the nearest dwelling other than the keeper's sets the maximum: fewer than 20 ft none, 20-40 ft six, 40-50 ft ten, more than 50 ft twenty. Enclosures must give shade, shelter from rain and room to move. No rooster over four months old. |
| Code section | San Jose Municipal Code Sec. 7.60.700, 7.60.815, 7.60.820 |
San Jose lets residents keep up to six chickens without a permit, provided the coop is at least 20 feet from any neighbor's dwelling. Larger flocks need a small-animal permit and more distance: ten hens at 40 feet, twenty at 50 feet or more. Roosters over four months old are prohibited.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in San Jose?
Yes — chickens are allowed in San Jose (San Jose Municipal Code Sec. 7.60.700, 7.60.815, 7.60.820).
How many chickens can I keep in San Jose?
Up to 20 hens. Count depends on the distance from the coop to the nearest other dwelling: 0 under 20 ft; 6 at 20-40 ft; 10 at 40-50 ft; 20 beyond 50 ft. Up to 6 small animals need no permit; 7 or more require a small-animal permit (Sec. 7.60.700)..
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in San Jose?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in San Jose.
Are roosters allowed in San Jose?
No — roosters are prohibited in San Jose.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in San Jose?
20 feet minimum. Chickens count as 'small animals.' No permit for up to six; seven or more require a permit from Animal Care and Services. The coop's distance to the nearest dwelling other than the keeper's sets the maximum: fewer than 20 ft none, 20-40 ft six, 40-50 ft ten, more than 50 ft twenty. Enclosures must give shade, shelter from rain and room to move. No rooster over four months old.
What law covers backyard chickens in San Jose?
San Jose Municipal Code Sec. 7.60.700, 7.60.815, 7.60.820. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
San Jose Municipal Code Sec. 7.60.700, 7.60.815, 7.60.820 — read the official code
“Up to six chickens are permitted per lot. Male chickens (roosters) over four months of age are prohibited.” source
“7.60.815 - Proximity to dwelling unit - Small animals. It is unlawful to maintain more than the maximum number of small animals either of the same type or combination thereof within the designated distances as set forth below in this section. Designated distances are the distance measured from the enclosure or structure housing such small animals to the nearest dwelling unit other than the permittee's. Less than 20 feet: 0; More than 20 feet but less than 40 feet: 6; More than 40 feet but less than 50 feet: 10; More than 50 feet: 20.” source
“7.60.700 - Permit requirement - Exemption. A. It is unlawful for any person to maintain livestock or more than six (6) small animals without a permit.” source
“7.60.820 - Roosters prohibited. It is unlawful for any person to maintain a rooster over four (4) months of age.” source
Last verified September 13, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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