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

San Francisco has a relatively permissive approach to urban chicken keeping compared to many dense metropolitan cities. The San Francisco Health Code permits residents to keep hens (female chickens) on residential property. Unlike many California cities that impose strict numeric limits (such as 3 to 6 hens), San Francisco's Health Code does not specify a maximum number of hens, though the number of birds must be reasonable for the lot size, and the keeping of poultry must not create a public nuisance through noise, odor, or unsanitary conditions. In practice, most urban chicken keepers in SF maintain small flocks of 2 to 6 hens given the compact lot sizes.

Roosters are prohibited on residential property due to the noise they generate — crowing, which can begin well before dawn, is incompatible with the dense residential living environment in San Francisco's neighborhoods. Ducks, quail, and other non-rooster poultry are generally permitted in small numbers under similar conditions as hens.

All poultry must be kept in a secure, properly maintained coop or enclosure that protects the birds from predators (raccoons, opossums, and raptors are common in SF) and prevents them from roaming onto neighboring properties or public areas. The coop must be kept clean and sanitary to prevent odor and pest problems. Coops must be set back from property lines and neighboring structures, though the specific setback distances are determined through the general nuisance and setback provisions of the Planning Code rather than a specific poultry ordinance.

Larger livestock — including goats, sheep, pigs, horses, and cattle — are generally prohibited in residential zoning districts. The keeping of such animals may be permitted on larger lots or in specific zoning districts with a permit from the Department of Public Health (DPH), but this is uncommon within San Francisco's densely developed residential areas. A small number of permitted goat-keeping operations exist in the city, typically on larger properties in less densely developed neighborhoods.

The slaughter of animals on residential property is prohibited under the San Francisco Health Code. Residents may not slaughter chickens or any other animals at home. San Francisco Animal Care and Control (SFACC) is the primary enforcement agency for animal keeping violations and responds to neighbor complaints regarding poultry noise, odor, and improper keeping conditions.