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El Cajon · Building on your lot

Pets, chickens and bees in El Cajon

El Cajon'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 El Cajon Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What El Cajon's code says

El Cajon code What El Cajon's code adds
Bees
  • Up to 4 beehives per property, and not within the zone's required setbacks.
    § 17.205.035 · code text
    Up to four beehives may be permitted per property.
Chickens
  • Yes: 1 bird per 100 square feet of unpaved rear yard, up to 10; no roosters.
    Applies: Single-family residential zones and the RM-6000 zone, as an accessory use to a detached single-family home.
    § 17.205.065 · code text
    The number of chickens at any one site shall not exceed one bird per each 100 square feet of unpaved rear yard area, up to a maximum of 10 chickens.
Coop setback
  • Behind the main house and at least 3 feet from side and rear property lines; not in any exterior yard.
    Applies: Applies to chicken runs and coops.
    § 17.205.065 · code text
    Chicken runs and coops must be located behind the main house on the lot and at least three feet from side and rear property lines.
Permit
  • You must register with the San Diego County Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures before keeping bees.
    Applies: Applies to beekeeping.
    § 17.205.035 · code text
    Registration with the County of San Diego Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures is required prior to beekeeping activities.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep chickens or bees at my home in El Cajon?

El Cajon's code: Yes: 1 bird per 100 square feet of unpaved rear yard, up to 10; no roosters. (Single-family residential zones and the RM-6000 zone, as an accessory use to a detached single-family home.) (§ 17.205.065); Up to 4 beehives per property, and not within the zone's required setbacks. (§ 17.205.035).

General information, not legal advice.

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El Cajon Municipal Code — full text