State laws concerning backyard chickens

Many states have laws that apply to chickens and how they’re kept. From space requirements and coop types or sizes to limitations on how many you can keep, your state may have laws, ordinances, or guidelines that will affect the decisions surrounding your backyard flock. These laws are usually left up to individual cities or other entities such as homeowners associations to determine their stance on chickens. So, before deciding on chickens, you’ll need to contact the governing body that decides the rules for your property.

Man tending to his flock in their Omlet Eglu Cube Chicken Coop

It’s easy to have a city or HOA-compliant chicken coop with Omlet.

City hall

If you live within city limits, the best place to obtain information about any chicken-keeping laws that apply to your property will be city hall. Look for their zoning office to obtain the most up-to-date information. Be sure to ask if there are any required permits for a chicken coop, or for specific measurements or distances that it needs to be from other homes.

Homeowners association

If your home is subject to a homeowners association (HOA), you’ll need to read through the bylaws to determine if chickens are allowed. All HOAs are required to have written bylaws and meeting minutes to provide to residents. If chickens aren’t currently allowed by your HOA, you’re entitled to attend their next meeting and make a motion to allow chickens. As backyard chicken keeping continues to grow in popularity, many chicken keepers have won over HOAs.

Rural areas

If your property is zoned as agricultural, or you live outside of city limits and don’t have an HOA, then there will likely be no laws to inhibit your chicken-keeping aspirations. Still, it’s best to check with your county’s zoning office to make sure there aren’t limits on the number of chickens you can keep.

State-by-state guidelines

In the following pages, you’ll be able to find your state along with the proper offices to contact. Some cities within a state ban chickens altogether – if this is the case, the cities will be listed by name. Laws are always subject to change, so be sure to contact the appropriate office to get the most current information.

Easy chicken compliance with Omlet

It’s easy to have a city or HOA-compliant chicken coop with Omlet. From mobile chicken coops to adjustable chicken fencing or chicken runs, you’ll be able to find what you need to fit any restrictions your property may be subject to. Rules are in place to protect residents and chickens alike, and our chicken products make it possible to keep flocks of any size healthy and happy in any setting.