Pets, chickens and bees in San Leandro: the local rules

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

What San Leandro's code says

San Leandro code What San Leandro's code adds
Bees	With a beekeeping permit, at most 3 hives. Applies: Parcels of at least 6,000 sq ft. Rear yard only, at least 5 ft from side and rear lot lines, over 50 ft from dwellings. § 4-11-1405 · code text No more than three hives shall be maintained on any property or parcel of land.
Chickens	Yes, up to 4 chickens, no roosters. Applies: Applies to parcels of 4,500 square feet or larger. § 4-11-1200 · code text Up to four chickens may be kept on parcels with an area of 4,500 square feet or larger. Up to 10 chickens with an Animal Permit; never more than 10 on any parcel. Applies: Applies to any parcel. Parcels under 4,500 square feet need an Animal Permit for any chickens. § 4-11-1200 · code text Chickens may be kept on parcels of less than 4,500 square feet with an Animal Permit. Up to 10 chickens may be kept on a parcel with an Animal Permit, but in no case may more than 10 chickens be kept on any single parcel.
Coop setback	At least 5 feet. Applies: Measured from any side or rear lot line where the primary use is residential. § 4-11-1205 · code text No coop shall be located less than five feet from any side or rear lot line on which the primary use is residential and 20 feet from an adjacent dwelling. At least 20 feet. Applies: Measured from an adjacent dwelling. § 4-11-1205 · code text No coop shall be located less than five feet from any side or rear lot line on which the primary use is residential and 20 feet from an adjacent dwelling.
Permit	A beekeeping permit is required. Applies: Applies to keeping any number of hives on any lot in the City. § 4-11-1400 · code text A beekeeping permit is required for the keeping of any number of hives on any lot or parcel of land within the City. An Animal Permit is required. Applies: Applies to chickens on parcels under 4,500 square feet, or to keeping up to 10 chickens on a parcel. § 4-11-1200 · code text Chickens may be kept on parcels of less than 4,500 square feet with an Animal Permit. Up to 10 chickens may be kept on a parcel with an Animal Permit, but in no case may more than 10 chickens be kept on any single parcel.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep chickens or bees at my home in San Leandro?

San Leandro's code: Yes, up to 4 chickens, no roosters. (Applies to parcels of 4,500 square feet or larger.) (§ 4-11-1200); With a beekeeping permit, at most 3 hives. (Parcels of at least 6,000 sq ft. Rear yard only, at least 5 ft from side and rear lot lines, over 50 ft from dwellings.) (§ 4-11-1405).

Pets, chickens and bees in San Leandro

What San Leandro's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

Ask about a specific San Leandro property

More on building on your lot in San Leandro