Can I keep chickens in San Jose, CA?
Yes — San Jose allows backyard chickens, up to 6 hens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 20 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (SJMC 7.40.540, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 20 ft |
| Coop rules | Up to 6 hens allowed. Roosters prohibited (if over 4 months old). Setback 20 ft from neighbors. |
| Code section | SJMC 7.40.540 |
San Jose permits up to 6 hens with roosters prohibited. 20-foot setback from neighbors required.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in San Jose?
Yes — chickens are allowed in San Jose (SJMC 7.40.540).
How many chickens can I keep in San Jose?
Up to 6 hens.
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. Up to 6 hens allowed. Roosters prohibited (if over 4 months old). Setback 20 ft from neighbors.
What law covers backyard chickens in San Jose?
SJMC 7.40.540. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
SJMC 7.40.540 — read the official code
“Up to six chickens are permitted per lot. Male chickens (roosters) over four months of age are prohibited.” source
Last verified June 13, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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