Can I keep chickens in Stockton, CA?
Yes, with conditions — Stockton allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 4 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 5 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Stockton Municipal Code § 16.80.060(E) Table 3-14 and § 16.80.060(F); § 6.04.420; § 6.04.440, verified September 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 4 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 5 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sq ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Hens must be enclosed in a pen, coop or cage whenever unsupervised. The enclosure must be in the side or rear yard behind a solid fence, structure or wall, at least 5 ft from property lines and at least 20 ft from the nearest neighbor's dwelling on an adjacent parcel; never in the front yard. Enclosures follow accessory-structure rules (Sec. 16.36.035). No roosters or cockerels anywhere in the city; no slaughter on residential lots. |
| Code section | Stockton Municipal Code § 16.80.060(E) Table 3-14 and § 16.80.060(F); § 6.04.420; § 6.04.440 |
Stockton allows hen chickens and ducks as a residential hobby use in the RL, RM and RH zones at 4 birds per 5,000 sq ft of lot area, on lots of at least 5,000 sq ft. Enclosures must be in the side or rear yard behind a solid fence, 5 ft from property lines and 20 ft from any neighbor's dwelling. Roosters and cockerels are banned citywide and on-site slaughter is prohibited. No permit is required.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Stockton?
Yes, with conditions — Stockton allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Stockton Municipal Code § 16.80.060(E) Table 3-14 and § 16.80.060(F); § 6.04.420; § 6.04.440).
How many chickens can I keep in Stockton?
Up to 4 hens. 4 hens or ducks per 5,000 sq ft of lot area in the RL, RM and RH zones (minimum lot 5,000 sq ft): a 5,000 to 9,999 sq ft lot allows 4, a 10,000 sq ft lot allows 8, and so on. Roosters and cockerels prohibited.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Stockton?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Stockton.
Are roosters allowed in Stockton?
No — roosters are prohibited in Stockton.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Stockton?
5 feet minimum. Hens must be enclosed in a pen, coop or cage whenever unsupervised. The enclosure must be in the side or rear yard behind a solid fence, structure or wall, at least 5 ft from property lines and at least 20 ft from the nearest neighbor's dwelling on an adjacent parcel; never in the front yard. Enclosures follow accessory-structure rules (Sec. 16.36.035). No roosters or cockerels anywhere in the city; no slaughter on residential lots.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Stockton?
Yes — 5,000 sq ft.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Stockton?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Stockton's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Stockton?
Stockton Municipal Code § 16.80.060(E) Table 3-14 and § 16.80.060(F); § 6.04.420; § 6.04.440. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Stockton Municipal Code § 16.80.060(E) Table 3-14 and § 16.80.060(F); § 6.04.420; § 6.04.440 — read the official code
“§ 6.04.420 It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to keep any domestic or wild animal (excluding dogs, cats and other household pets), reptile, apiary, or fowl, within the City except where permitted within a particular zone or district as provided in the Development Code of the City.” source
“A maximum of ten chickens are permitted on single-family residential properties” source
“Table 3-14 Animal-Keeping Standards: Poultry, fowl (e.g. chickens, ducks) (not including roosters or cockerels) ... Residential (hobby): 4 per 5,000 square feet; Minimum Lot Size 5,000 square feet; Setback from Property Lines 5 feet; Zoning Districts RL, RM, RH.” source
“g. No hen chickens/ducks shall be slaughtered on any residentially zoned lot. 2. Roosters shall not be permitted within the corporate limits of the City. (Prior code § 16-365.050; Ord. 023-07 C.S. § 83; Ord. 2020-09-15-1501 C.S. § 9; Ord. 2025-06-03-1601, 6/3/2025)” source
Last verified September 20, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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