Hayward Chickens & Livestock Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

The Hayward Municipal Code and Zoning Ordinance regulate the keeping of chickens and livestock on residential property. Hayward permits residents on single-family residential lots to keep a limited number of female chickens (hens) for personal egg production and as pets. The number of hens permitted is generally based on lot size: lots up to 5,000 square feet may keep up to 4 hens; lots over 5,000 square feet may keep up to 6 hens. Roosters are prohibited in all residential zoning districts due to the noise disturbance their crowing creates, particularly in Hayward's densely developed neighborhoods.

Hens must be housed in a secure, enclosed coop that protects them from predators (raccoons, opossums, hawks, and feral cats are common in the Hayward area) and prevents them from roaming freely onto neighboring properties or public streets. The coop must include an attached outdoor run or exercise area that is also fully enclosed. The coop and run must be setback at least 20 feet from any dwelling unit on an adjacent property to minimize noise and odor impacts on neighbors. The coop must be located in the rear yard — chicken coops in front yards or side yards visible from the public street are not permitted.

Sanitation and maintenance of the coop are ongoing obligations. The coop must be cleaned regularly to prevent accumulation of manure, odor, and attraction of flies, rodents, and other vermin. Feed must be stored in sealed, rodent-proof containers. Water sources must not create standing water that breeds mosquitoes. If a chicken-keeping operation creates a nuisance — persistent offensive odor, excessive noise from multiple hens, attraction of predators or vermin that affects neighboring properties — the city may issue a notice of violation and require corrective action or removal of the animals.

Livestock and larger farm animals — goats, sheep, pigs, cattle, horses, donkeys, and llamas — are prohibited on standard single-family residential lots in Hayward. These animals are only permitted on parcels zoned for agricultural use or in rural residential districts that meet minimum lot size requirements (typically one acre or more). Miniature goats, pot-bellied pigs marketed as pets, and similar animals that are technically livestock species are still classified as livestock under the municipal code and are subject to the same zoning restrictions.

Ducks and other domestic poultry may be kept under similar conditions as hens, but turkeys, geese, peafowl, and guinea fowl are generally restricted due to noise. On-site slaughter of any poultry or livestock is prohibited in residential zoning districts. Residents who wish to process their hens must use a licensed facility.

For questions about chicken and animal keeping regulations, contact the Hayward Code Enforcement Division at (510) 583-4250 or the Hayward Animal Services Bureau at (510) 293-7200.