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San Marino · Building on your lot

Pets, chickens and bees in San Marino

San Marino's own rules on pets, chickens and bees, with the code text for every value.

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

What San Marino's code says

San Marino code What San Marino's code adds
Chickens
  • Yes, at most 3 hens; roosters are prohibited.
    Applies: Applies to parcels in the R-1 zone.
    § 06.03.01 · code text
    Persons shall be permitted to keep chickens on all parcels in the R-1 zone subject to the conditions set forth herein: A. A maximum of three (3) hens shall be allowed.
Coop setback
  • At least 5 feet from the street-side property line.
    Applies: Applies on corner lots. Coops go only in the rear yard and must be screened from public view by a solid wall or fence.
    § 06.03.01 · code text
    Coops shall be set back a minimum of five feet (5') from street side property lines on corner lots and shall be screened from public view by a solid wall or fence.
  • At least 35 feet.
    Applies: Measured from the main dwelling on an adjacent property.
    § 06.03.01 · code text
    Chicken coops must be a minimum of thirty five feet (35') from the main dwelling structure on an adjacent property.
Permit
  • A city permit is required for chickens over 4 months old.
    Applies: Applies within the city.
    § 06.03.01 · code text
    It shall be unlawful to own or harbor any chicken over the age of four (4) months within the city, unless the owner of the chicken obtains a permit from the city.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

San Marino's code: Yes, at most 3 hens; roosters are prohibited. (Applies to parcels in the R-1 zone.) (§ 06.03.01); At least 5 feet from the street-side property line. (Applies on corner lots. Coops go only in the rear yard and must be screened from public view by a solid wall or fence.) (§ 06.03.01).

General information, not legal advice.

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