Thinking about raising backyard chickens in North Carolina? You’re not alone—more and more residents are starting small flocks for fresh eggs, natural pest control, and a taste of farm life at home. But before you bring home your first hen, it’s important to know that local rules matter. Chicken-keeping laws in North Carolina vary from one county or town to the next, with different regulations on flock size, coop placement, and even rooster bans.
In this guide, we’ll walk through chicken laws county by county so you can find out exactly what’s allowed in your area—and start your flock with confidence.
Is It Legal to Have Chickens in Your Backyard in North Carolina?
Yes, raising backyard chickens is legal in North Carolina, but specific regulations vary by locality. Chickens will also have to be registered with the state. Many cities and counties permit chickens but often impose rules on the number of hens allowed, coop placement, and restrictions on roosters. To ensure compliance, it’s important to check with your local municipality before starting a flock. Some counties may not have set regulations, deferring to individual cities or towns, usually the county seat. To find your area, click here to view our county regulation chart.
Do You Need A Permit for Chickens in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, permit requirements for backyard chickens depend on where you live. Some towns and cities require a permit before you can start a flock. Others may allow chickens without any special permissions. If a permit is required, you may need to follow specific guidelines related to coop placement, flock size, and whether or not roosters are allowed. To avoid any issues, it’s best to contact your local zoning office or town hall before getting started.
How Many Chickens Can I Have in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, the number of chickens you can keep varies by municipality, with local ordinances often specifying limits based on property size and zoning. Roosters are frequently prohibited in residential areas due to noise concerns. To determine the exact regulations in your area, consult your local town office or zoning board.
Can I Let My Chickens Free-Range in My Backyard?
In North Carolina, letting your chickens free-range in your backyard is often restricted. Local regulations are designed to prevent nuisances for neighbors and require proper waste management to avoid attracting rodents. You will also likely need a secure chicken coop to house your flock and meet local requirements. Rules can vary depending on your location, so it’s important to check with your local planning department for specific guidelines.
Can I Have A Rooster In My Backyard in North Carolina?
In most parts of North Carolina, keeping a rooster is not allowed due to potential noise complaints. Regulations can vary depending on your specific location, so it’s best to contact your local planning department for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
What Are The Best Chickens To Raise In North Carolina?
The best chickens to raise in North Carolina are breeds that can handle both the humid summers and the cooler winters. Popular choices include:
- Rhode Island Reds – Hardy, friendly, and excellent egg layers.
- Barred Rocks – Tough birds that thrive in different weather and lay consistently.
- Orpingtons – Gentle, large birds known for good egg production and meat quality.
- Easter Eggers – Heat-tolerant and known for laying colorful eggs.
- Leghorns – Especially good for egg production and tolerate the heat well.
Sussex – Cold-hardy and steady layers that also do well in summer heat.
Choosing heat- and cold-tolerant breeds will help your flock stay healthy and productive year-round in North Carolina’s climate. To learn more, check out this blog on the best egg-laying chickens!
Can I Sell My Chicken Eggs in North Carolina?
Yes, you can sell chicken eggs in North Carolina. However, you must follow the North Carolina Egg Law, which includes requirements like grading and labeling if you sell more than 30 eggs per week and ensuring all eggs are clean. For full details, visit the page for the North Carolina Egg Law.
Do I Need To Register My Chickens in North Carolina?
Yes, all chickens in North Carolina must be registered, regardless of how many you own or what they are used for. You can complete the registration and find more details about the Farm ID process through the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website.
Laws for Keeping Backyard Chickens in North Carolina By County
Laws for keeping backyard chickens depend on each county. Some areas won’t have county-wide regulations for chickens and will leave it to their county seat or local cities and towns. For the most accurate information, reach out to your county planning department below or find your city planning department here.
Chicken Laws For Cities in North Carolina
Find and click your city on the left to be brought to its regulation section!
Does Apex, NC, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, hens are allowed in Apex, NC, but roosters are prohibited. For additional information, read the Apex Code of Ordinances or reach out to the Planning Department.
Does Asheboro, NC, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, Asheboro, NC, allows backyard chickens! You can keep up to eight chickens as long as they do not become a nuisance. Chicken coops must be placed 30 feet from property lines. For additional information, browse the city’s Code of Ordinances.
Does Asheville, NC, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, Asheville, NC, allows chickens in your backyard! A permit is required. For next steps on getting your permit, visit the Asheville Animal Services website.
Does Carrboro, NC, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes! Carrboro, NC, allows backyard chickens. You can have up to 20 chickens within the city limits. A permit is required, and chickens must be housed to prevent them from roaming. To learn more about the regulations or how to get your permit, visit Orange County Animal Services.
Does Cary, NC, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, chickens are allowed in Cary, NC, but it depends on what zone you are in. Specific zoning districts can have chickens without a permit, but most districts will need an Accessory Use Permit to have chickens. To find the regulations for your zoning district, visit the Planning Department page.
Does Chapel Hill, NC, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes! Chapel Hill, NC, allows backyard chickens, but there are rules you have to follow. Up to 10 chickens are allowed on a property, and they must be kept at least 30 feet from property lines. Roosters are prohibited to avoid being a nuisance. To learn more, read the Chapel Hill Code of Ordinances.
Does Charlotte, NC, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes! Charlotte allows backyard chickens, but a permit is required. An inspection is needed to check that the coop is a minimum distance from property lines. To apply for a permit, visit the Charlotte permits page.
Does Clayton, NC, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, Clayton, NC, allows backyard chickens! Up to ten chickens are allowed on a property, but roosters are prohibited. Chickens must be housed in a chicken coop or pen. To learn more, read the Clayton Code of Ordinances.
Does Concord, NC, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes! Concord, NC, allows backyard chickens. The number of chickens allowed depends on your lot size, but up to 15 chickens are allowed. Roosters are prohibited. For more information, reach out to the Concord Planning Department.
Does Durham, NC, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, up to 10 hens are allowed in Durham, NC. The coop must be 15 feet from property lines. To learn more about the specifics, contact the Durham Planning Department.
Does Elizabeth City, NC, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes! Elizabeth City, NC, allows up to eight chickens in your backyard. For more information, contact the Planning Division.
Does Fayetteville, NC, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, Fayetteville, NC, does allow backyard chickens. A maximum of 10 hens are allowed per lot, and roosters are prohibited. For specific regulations, reach out to the Fayetteville Planning Department.
Does Fuquay-Varina, NC, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes! Chickens are allowed in Fuquay-Varina, NC. Up to 5 chickens are allowed on residential lots, and up to 10 chickens are allowed on residential lots with the extraterritorial jurisdiction. Chickens must be kept in a coop, and a chicken coop and pen permit is required. Roosters are not allowed. For more information, reach out to the Fuquay-Varina Planning Department.
Does Gastonia, NC, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, Gastonia, NC, does allow backyard chickens on lots greater than one-fourth acre. An application is required to begin. For more information, see the city’s Code of Ordinances.
Does Goldsboro, NC, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, up to 10 chickens are allowed in Goldsboro, NC, as long as they are 200 yards from any dwelling. In order to keep chickens, a license is required. For more information, read the city’s Code of Ordinances.
Does Greensboro, NC, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, chickens are allowed in Greensboro, NC, on lots over 7,000 square feet. If your lot is between 7,000 and 12,000 square feet, you can have four hens on your lot. Twenty hens are allowed on lots over 20,000 square feet. For additional information, contact the Greensboro Planning Department.
Does Havelock, NC, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes! Chickens are allowed in Havelock, NC, but the number of chickens allowed depends on your zoning district. Roosters are prohibited. The maximum number of chickens allowed per district is as follows:
- R-7, R-10, R-12, and R-13 allows four chickens
- R-20 and R-20A allow six chickens
- Single-family dwellings in R-M and R-MH allow four chickens
- Two-acre or greater lots in all zoning districts allow twelve chickens
Coops must be located in the rear yard and kept at least seven feet from property lines. A permit is required. To learn more, reach out to the Havelock Planning & Inspections Office.
Does High Point, NC, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in High Point, NC. Five female chickens are allowed, and roosters are prohibited. You can find more information regarding backyard chickens here.
Does Holly Springs, NC, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes! Chickens are allowed in Holly Springs, NC. Up to three hens are permitted in any residential or agricultural zoning district with at least 10,000 square feet. Visit the town’s Development Services for more information.
Does Huntersville, NC, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, Huntersville, NC, allows backyard chickens. Up to 20 chickens per acre are allowed, but they must be kept in appropriate coops at least 15 feet from property lines. For more information, read the Huntersville Code of Ordinances.
Does Kannapolis, NC, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Kannapolis, NC. Six chickens are allowed on property greater than half an acre. For properties greater than 1 acre, twelve chickens are allowed. Screened coops must be at least ten feet from property lines, and coops without a screen must be twenty feet. Roosters are not allowed in the city. To learn more, reach out to the Kannapolis Planning Department.
Does Kinston, NC, Allow Backyard Chickens?
No, chickens are now allowed in Kinston, NC, unless used in a bona fide farm. To learn more about regulations in Kinston, read their Code of Ordinances.
Does Knightdale, NC, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, Knightdale, NC, does allow backyard chickens! Up to five chickens are allowed, but roosters are prohibited. Chickens must be kept in a chicken coop and a permit is required. Coops must be five feet from rear property lines. To get more information, reach out to Development Services.
Does Laurinburg, NC, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes! Backyard chickens are allowed in Laurinburg, NC. A permit is required to keep up to five hens. Roosters are prohibited. To learn more information, read the city’s Code of Ordinances.
Does Lumberton, NC, Allow Backyard Chickens?
No, chickens are not allowed within city limits in Lumberton, NC. To learn more, read the city’s Code of Ordinances.
Does Mebane, NC, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, chickens are allowed in Mebane, NC! A maximum of ten hens are allowed per acre. Roosters are not allowed on the lot. For more information, reach out to Animal Services.
Does Morganton, NC, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes! Chickens are allowed in Morganton, NC. A maximum of five chickens is allowed on a minimum lot size of one acre. Roosters are not allowed, and coops must be 50 feet from property lines. For more information on next steps, visit this page.
Does New Bern, NC, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes. New Bern, NC, allows backyard chickens. A maximum of ten chickens are allowed, and they must be kept 30 feet from property lines. Chickens must not be a nuisance, so roosters are not allowed in the city. To learn more, read the city’s Code of Ordinances.
Does Pinehurst, NC, Allow Backyard Chickens?
No, chickens are not allowed in Pinehurst, NC, unless in the R-210 zoning district outside of Village corporate limits. For more information, reach out to the Planning Department.
Does Raleigh, NC, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, Raleigh, NC, allows backyard chickens. 1 chicken per 1,000 square feet is allowed with a maximum of 10 hens. Roosters are prohibited in the city. Chicken coops must be placed 25 feet from property lines. For more information, contact the Planning Department.
Does Roanoke Rapids, NC, Allow Backyard Chickens?
No, currently chickens are not allowed in Roanoke Rapids. For more information, reach out to the Roanoke Rapids Planning & Development.
Does Rocky Mount, NC, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, chickens are allowed in Rocky Mount, NC, but they require a permit. To find out specific regulations, read the Rocky Mount Code of Ordinances or reach out to the Planning & Zoning Department.
Does Waxhaw, NC, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes! Backyard chickens are allowed in Waxhaw, NC. Up to six hens are allowed, and roosters are prohibited. Chicken coops must be 30 feet from the nearest residence and 5 feet from a lot line. For more specific restrictions, read the Waxhaw Code of Ordinances.
Does Wilmington, NC, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes! Wilmington, NC, allows backyard chickens. Lots must be greater than 15,000 square feet, and a maximum of 5 hens are allowed. A permit is required. For more information, read the city’s Code of Ordinances.
Does Winston-Salem, NC, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes! Winston-Salem allows up to five hens. Chicken coops must be placed 20 feet from property lines. For more information, refer to the city’s chicken regulations.
Ready to Start Your Backyard Chicken-Keeping Journey?
In North Carolina, backyard chicken keeping is growing in popularity, but every town has its own set of rules. That’s where The Hen House Collection comes in. Our handcrafted coops are built with North Carolina’s unique climate and regulations in mind, featuring a variety of sizes, secure predator-proof doors to keep out raccoons and foxes, and easy-to-clean designs to make daily care simple.
If your town has specific guidelines, we can build a custom coop tailored to your exact needs. Whether you’re in the mountains, near the coast, or anywhere in between, The Hen House Collection is here to help you start your flock with confidence. From picking the right breeds for North Carolina’s weather to choosing a coop that keeps your hens safe and your town happy, we’ll walk with you every step of the way.
