Pets, chickens and bees in Alameda: the local rules

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

What Alameda's code says

Alameda code What Alameda's code adds
Chickens	Yes. No more than 6 chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys or other domestic fowl. § 7-4.1 · code text It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to keep on any premises owned, occupied or controlled by him/her or it in the City, any more than six (6) chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys or other domestic fowl.
Coop setback	The fowl enclosure must be at least 20 feet from any occupied dwelling. Applies: Applies to chickens and other domestic fowl. Dwellings owned or occupied by the keeper do not count. § 7-4.1 · code text Any such fowl shall be kept in an enclosure, no part of which is within twenty (20°) feet of any dwelling house occupied by human beings, excepting any and all dwelling houses owned or occupied by such person, firm or corporation;
Pet limit	No more than 3 dogs over 4 months old. § 7-3.7 · code text it shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to maintain on any premises owned, occupied or controlled by him/her or it in the City, more than three (3) dogs over the age of four (4) months.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

Alameda's code: Yes. No more than 6 chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys or other domestic fowl. (§ 7-4.1); The fowl enclosure must be at least 20 feet from any occupied dwelling. (Applies to chickens and other domestic fowl. Dwellings owned or occupied by the keeper do not count.) (§ 7-4.1).

Pets, chickens and bees in Alameda

What Alameda's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

Ask about a specific Alameda property

More on building on your lot in Alameda