Pets, chickens and bees in Hollister: the local rules

Each rule below links to the section of the Hollister Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Hollister's code says

Hollister code What Hollister's code adds
Chickens	No more than 6 poultry, rabbits or similar small animals in all, over 4 months old. Applies: Applies in residential zones; not within 50 feet of any residence. § 6.04.070 · code text No more than six live poultry, rabbits, or other small fur-bearing animals, excluding cats, over four months of age shall be kept on any premises which are in a residential zone.
Coop setback	At least 5 feet from side and rear property lines. Applies: Not needed with a solid fence or wall at least 5 feet high, or where the line borders an alley. § 6.04.070 · code text All poultry and rabbits shall be kept, harbored and maintained not less than five feet from all lateral and rear property lines, unless there is a solid fence, solid side of a building or wall not less than five feet in height between such poultry or rabbits and the adjoining property; except that where the property line abuts upon an alley, the distance requirement may be dispensed with.
Large animals	Only on unimproved property 1 acre in size, and at least 100 feet from any residence. Applies: Applies to sheep, goats, horses, donkeys, mules, ponies, cows or other large animals in the city. § 6.04.080 · code text No person shall keep one or more sheep, goats, horses, donkeys, mules, ponies, cows or other large animals within the city unless they are kept on unimproved property one acre in size. None of the animals specified in this section shall be allowed within 100 feet of any residence.
Pet limit	No more than 3 cats over 4 months old. Applies: Applies to any premises in the city. § 6.04.070 · code text No persons shall keep more than three cats of more than four months of age on any premises within the city.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I keep chickens or bees at my home in Hollister?

Hollister's code: No more than 6 poultry, rabbits or similar small animals in all, over 4 months old. (Applies in residential zones; not within 50 feet of any residence.) (§ 6.04.070); At least 5 feet from side and rear property lines. (Not needed with a solid fence or wall at least 5 feet high, or where the line borders an alley.) (§ 6.04.070).

Pets, chickens and bees in Hollister

What Hollister's code says

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