Backyard chickens are allowed in every zoning district in the City, except for the Central Business District, as long as residents meet the following requirements.
Zoning Ordinance, 3.4.1 (B)
- A one (1) acre minimum lot size is required for the keeping of livestock and fowl of 15 pounds or under as an accessory use to a residential use. The keeping of livestock and fowl as an accessory to a residential use shall not include commercial production.
- No structure or barn for the keeping of livestock or fowl shall be located closer than 50 feet to any property line and 100 feet to any dwelling unit other than the owner’s residence.
Animal Ordinance, Sec. 8-2029 (b)
- Not more than five (5) chickens, raised and kept for the purpose of providing fresh eggs, may be kept on any one lot having a minimum size of at least one acre, provided such lot is in compliance with the City’s Zoning Ordinance
- No coop or other containment structure for keeping fowl may be located within 50 feet of any property line, or within 100 feet of any residence other than that of the fowls’ owner.
- All fowl must be secured or contained upon the premises.
- No butchering of fowl on the premises is allowed.
- Roosters are not allowed.
Residents can look up the zoning for their property on the City’s online zoning map.
Call the Zoning Officer at 828-438-5269 for more information.
