Stockton, CA Chicken Laws: Hens, Roosters, Permits and Coop Rules

Coop Ready California Stockton

Hens allowed

Yes. Stockton allows backyard hens on a typical single-family home lot.

Allowed in the RL, RM and RH zones behind a solid fence, wall or structure, and not in the front yard. Unsupervised hens must be confined.

Hen limit

4 per 5,000 sq ft of lot (lots of 5,000 sq ft or more)

Roosters

Banned

Permit

No

Coop placement

Side or rear yard, 5 ft from property lines and 20 ft from a neighbor's home

Checked against city code We read the official code section linked below for every fact on this page.

Read the official Stockton rules ↗ Checked October 2026.

Will your coop fit in Stockton?

Draw your lot, your house and your neighbor's house on a satellite map, drop in a coop, and Coop Ready measures the distances and compares them with the Stockton rules above. Free, no account.

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Backyard chicken questions in Stockton

How many chickens can I have in Stockton?

The hen limit in Stockton: 4 per 5,000 sq ft of lot (lots of 5,000 sq ft or more).

Are roosters allowed in Stockton?

No. Stockton bans roosters on typical home lots.

Do I need a permit for backyard chickens in Stockton?

No. Stockton does not require a permit for a typical backyard flock.

How far does a chicken coop have to be from my neighbor in Stockton?

Where the coop can go in Stockton: side or rear yard, 5 ft from property lines and 20 ft from a neighbor's home.

Can my HOA ban chickens if Stockton allows them?

Yes. HOA rules, deed restrictions and leases can be stricter than city code. Read yours before you build.

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Coop Ready is a planning aid, not legal advice. City codes change, and zoning, HOA rules and your exact parcel can change what is allowed. Confirm with Stockton before you build.