Chicken Laws and Ordinances
This page summarizes chicken ordinances in the cities and unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County, California.
Most cities limit the number of chickens you can keep. Some limits apply to several animal species combined, so other animals may count toward the total. Rules may also depend on zoning, property size, and coop location, and permits may be required. Noise and nuisance regulations apply too. If you have an HOA, it may impose stricter rules.
We aim to keep this information accurate, but always confirm current requirements with your city or, for unincorporated areas, the county before bringing chickens home.
Campbell: Chickens are allowed, generally within a limit of six animals combined among the species covered by the ordinance. A permit is required when chickens are kept within 50 feet of another person’s dwelling. Roosters over four months old are prohibited, except in lawful commercial operations. [Municipal Code, Chapter 7.15]
Cupertino: Chickens and pet roosters may be kept subject to zoning, animal limits, and noise restrictions. Limits and permit requirements depend on the zoning district and use; a permit is not universally required. [Municipal Code, Table 19.20.020] [City FAQ confirming the rooster rule]
Gilroy: Chickens are allowed on residential properties within a limit of six qualifying small animals combined. Enclosure and setback requirements apply. Roosters over four months old are prohibited. [Municipal Code, §4.23]
Los Altos: Chickens are allowed. In R1 districts, the limit is one small animal per 1,000 square feet of lot area. No categorical rooster prohibition was identified, but animal-noise and nuisance restrictions apply. Enclosure placement requirements also apply. [Municipal Code, §§5.08.010 and 5.10.010–5.10.020] [Noise regulations, Chapter 6.16]
Los Altos Hills: Chickens may be kept in the Residential-Agricultural (R-A) district, subject to zoning, confinement, sanitation, and noise requirements. No explicit rooster ban or chicken-specific flock limit was identified in the provisions reviewed. Rooster noise remains subject to the town’s animal-noise restrictions. A permit is required for bird breeding as defined in the code. [Municipal Code, §10-1.702(h)] [Care and Keeping of Animals] [Noise regulations]
Los Gatos: Chickens may be kept subject to the town’s animal regulations and zoning requirements. No explicit rooster ban was identified in the provisions reviewed; confirm whether roosters are permitted on your property with the town. [Municipal Code, §4.20.015]
Milpitas: Up to six backyard chickens are allowed for residents’ personal use and care. Coops must comply with applicable zoning and setback requirements. The chicken provision does not distinguish hens from roosters; confirm rooster requirements with the city. [Municipal Code, §V-210-7.02]
Monte Sereno: In the principal residential districts, rabbits and poultry are allowed at a combined rate of one animal per 3,000 square feet, up to 12 animals. They must be kept in the rear half of the lot. Crowing roosters are excluded from this allowance. [Municipal Code, Chapter 10.05]
Morgan Hill: Chickens are allowed subject to enclosure and setback requirements, including minimum distances from residences, streets, and certain other uses. [Municipal Code, §6.36.170]
Mountain View: Chickens are allowed, generally within a limit of four animals combined among the species covered by the ordinance. A permit or additional approval is required for certain exceptions, including reduced enclosure setbacks or additional animals. Roosters over four months old are prohibited, except in lawful commercial operations. [Municipal Code, §§5.39–5.43]
Palo Alto: Chickens are allowed with a livestock permit. Enclosure and setback requirements apply. Outside agricultural or designated open-space areas, keeping more than six mature birds or rabbits requires written consent from adjacent neighbors, and roosters beyond the baby-chick stage are prohibited. [Municipal Code, §6.20.090] [City permit guidance]
San Jose: Chickens are allowed. A permit is normally required for more than six small animals, and enclosure setbacks can further limit the number permitted. Roosters over four months old are prohibited. [Municipal Code, Chapter 7.60, Part 7]
Santa Clara: Chickens are allowed, generally within a limit of six animals combined among the species covered by the ordinance, including cats. A permit is required to keep chickens within 50 feet of a dwelling other than their owner’s. The City Manager may approve up to 25 animals, subject to conditions. Roosters over four months old are prohibited, except in qualifying commercial operations. Enclosure and sanitation requirements apply. [Municipal Code, Chapter 6.15]
Saratoga: Single-family residential zoning permits a reasonable number of birds kept as pets, subject to animal regulations. Restrictions address confinement, noise, odor, and other impacts; animals under this allowance cannot be kept for breeding or commercial purposes. [Municipal Code, §15-12.020(i)] [Additional conditions, §15-11.020(h)]
Sunnyvale: Chickens are allowed within a limit of six small animals combined, including rabbits and other poultry. Roosters over four months old are prohibited. Chickens must be kept at least 20 feet from any inhabitable dwelling other than their owner’s or custodian’s. Coops must comply with zoning and setback requirements, and animal-care, sanitation, and nuisance rules apply. [Municipal Code, Chapter 6.09]
Unincorporated Santa Clara County: Chickens are allowed subject to zoning. The urban residential small-animal allowance generally permits up to 12 animals combined and excludes roosters. Different provisions apply in rural and agricultural districts. [County Zoning Ordinance, Table 2.30-1, note 6]
Last reviewed: September 21, 2026.
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