Are Chickens Allowed in San Francisco, CA?

BySusan Medlin

Yes — chickens are allowed within the City of San Francisco, but there are specific rules that residents must follow. The city permits hens in limited numbers, while roosters are prohibited. Proper placement of the coop, cleanliness, and neighbor considerations are all part of the requirements. Below is a clear, well-formatted guide to help you understand what is and isn’t allowed.

San Francisco’s Rules for Chickens

  • You may keep up to four hens per property.
  • Roosters are not permitted anywhere in the city.
  • No special permit is required for up to four hens, as long as you follow the placement and sanitation rules.

Coop Placement and Setbacks

The city requires that coops be located carefully to avoid nuisances:

  • Coops must be placed at least 20 feet away from any entrance or window of a neighboring residence.
  • Rear yard placement is strongly recommended to reduce noise and odor impact on neighbors.
  • Coops should comply with basic zoning and building standards.

Care and Sanitation Requirements

Keeping hens in San Francisco comes with clear expectations for health and sanitation. You must ensure:

  • Coops and runs are kept clean, dry, and ventilated at all times.
  • Feed is stored in sealed containers to prevent rodents and pests.
  • Manure and bedding are disposed of or composted regularly to control odor.
  • Hens are safely enclosed and not allowed to roam freely into neighboring properties.
  • Chickens are provided with proper food, fresh water, shade, and shelter from weather.

Things to Consider Before Getting Chickens

  • Noise: While hens are quieter than roosters, they still cluck and can disturb close neighbors.
  • Odor: Poor coop maintenance can lead to strong smells and neighbor complaints.
  • Pests: Rodents may be attracted if feed is left unsecured.
  • HOA restrictions: If you live in a managed community, homeowners’ association rules may prohibit poultry regardless of city law.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many chickens can I have in San Francisco?

You may keep up to four hens per residential property.

Are roosters allowed?

No. Roosters are not permitted due to noise concerns.

Do I need a permit to keep hens?

No permit is required as long as you stay within the four-hen limit and follow coop placement and health standards.

Where can I place the coop?

Your coop must be at least 20 feet from any neighbor’s doors or windows. Rear yard placement is best to reduce impact on neighbors.

What if a neighbor complains?

If noise, odor, or pest issues are reported, you may be required to improve sanitation, relocate the coop, or reduce the number of hens.

Conclusion

Backyard chickens are allowed in San Francisco with clear restrictions: no roosters, up to four hens, coop setback requirements, and strict cleanliness standards. For city residents interested in fresh eggs and sustainable living, following these rules makes it possible to raise hens legally while keeping peace with neighbors.

Special Resource for Chicken Owners

If you are planning to start your own flock, consider using Backyard Eggs: The #1 Guide in the US. This resource provides:

  • Step-by-step coop building instructions
  • Noise and odor control tips
  • Beginner-friendly chicken care routines
  • Health, feeding, and predator protection advice

Get Backyard Eggs Now and start raising healthy, happy hens in San Francisco