Tennessee’s rolling hills and open spaces seem like the perfect place to raise a few hens and collect farm-fresh eggs from your own backyard. But even in areas that feel chicken-friendly, local rules can stand in your way. Some residents find themselves facing unexpected zoning issues, permits, or restrictions that make keeping chickens more complicated than it should be.
At The Hen House Collection, we help aspiring and experienced chicken keepers navigate these challenges and start their backyard flocks with confidence. This guide will show you which areas in Tennessee allow chickens and what requirements you need to follow, so that confusing local rules do not stop you from having your dream flock.
Is it Legal to Have Chickens in Your Backyard in Tennessee?
Yes and no. It largely depends on where you reside in the state. Many areas like Nashville, Davidson County, Knoxville, and Memphis permit them whereas others may prohibit them. Additionally, there are many areas that lack legislation, and simply allow them so long as they don’t become a nuisance or run at large.
To help you determine which category your area falls under, we’ve compiled a list of all counties and the major cities in Tennessee with the proper contact information to determine if backyard chickens are allowed. For area-specific requirements, you can skip ahead to our city section.
Do You Need a Permit for Chickens in Tennessee?
Yes, in fact, depending on where you live, you may need multiple permits. Many areas have a backyard chicken keeping specific permit and also require a building or zoning permit for your chicken coop. Some areas may bundle these permits into one.
For more detailed information specific to your area, read on.
How Many Chickens Can I Have in Tennessee?
Six is a pretty common number, but it really depends on where you live. You can find out how many your area allows below, or you can contact the proper county official to find out what they allow.
Can I Let my Chickens Free-Range in my Backyard?
No, most areas require chickens to be kept in a coop or other fenced-in enclosure. If you need a chicken coop to comply with local regulations, check out these coops from The Hen House Collection. Fully customizable, it’s easy to ensure your chickens are kept in an enclosure that meets the cleanliness and sizing requirements set forth by most city and town officials in Tennessee.
Backyard Chicken Laws By City in Tennessee
Below are some of the cities in Tennessee and what their backyard chicken laws look like. If your city or town isn’t listed here, your planning, zoning, or code compliance department is typically the best resource for finding out if you can keep chickens in your backyard.
Does Nashville, TN, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, there are provisions that allow for backyard chickens in Nashville and Davidson County. These rules are as follows:
- Hens only, no roosters
- A permit is required and must be renewed annually
- The total number of chickens depends on property size and zoning
- Hens must be provided with a fenced-in enclosure and a predator-proof hen house
- Henhouse must be set back from property lines in accordance with your property’s zoning
Since many of the outlined requirements vary based on zoning, it’s recommended that you contact the Nashville zoning official at 615-862-7190 to certify compliance with these standards.
Does Knoxville, TN, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Knoxville allows residents to keep “domesticated chickens”, which must meet the following requirements:
- Permit required w/ annual permit fee of $25
- Number of Chickens Allowed: 6
- Only female chickens are permitted, no other fowl
- They may only be kept for personal use; no selling eggs
- Hens must be kept in fenced in enclosure or coop at all times
- Placement: Must be located in accordance with zoning regulations
- Setback: 10 feet from abutting property lines
- No henhouses or enclosures permitted in front yards
Additional requirements do apply, and as noted, can vary by zoning district, the Plans Review & Inspection Department will take a look at your backyard chicken plans to ensure you certify compliance and can answer any questions you may have.
Does Chattanooga, TN, Allow Backyard Chickens?
As of July 29th, 2025, backyard chickens are allowed in Chattanooga! Previously, only those with agriculturally-zoned properties and five or more acres of land were allowed to keep chickens. Due to a recent vote by the Chattanooga City Council, residents can now keep up to 8 hens on residentially zoned properties, but roosters are still prohibited. To ensure compliance with the new law, contact the Land Development Office,
Does Memphis, TN, Allow Backyard Chickens?
You can keep up to 6 hens in Memphis, Tennessee. Roosters are strictly prohibited, and you can only have 1 hen per 1,500 square feet of lot area. Hens must be kept in a proper enclosure that meets the setback and placement requirements of your zoning district.
Contact the Planning & Development Department to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.
Does Clarksville, TN, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Backyard chickens are permitted in the E-1, R-1, and R-1-a zoning districts under the following provisions:
- Roosters are prohibited, only female chickens are permitted
- Hens must be kept in fenced in enclosure or chicken coop at all times
- Enclosure may be no larger than 400 square feet
- Enclosure can be no taller than 10 feet
- Must be located in the rear yard at least 10 feet from the rear and side property lines
- Number of Chickens Allowed: 6
- A permit is required and has a one-time $50 permit fee
To ensure your permit application is approved, reach out to the Building & Codes Department.
Does Murfreesboro, TN, Allow Backyard Chickens?
You can keep chickens, but you can have no more than 8 on a property of less than 2 acres. Other requirements are in place, but vary based on the rules of your zoning district. It’s essential that you contact the Planning & Zoning Department to ensure compliance.
Does Franklin, TN, Allow Backyard Chickens?
You can keep backyard chickens, but an animal husbandry permit is required if you plan to keep them within 1,000 feet of a residence or place of business. For permit approval, contact the Planning Department.
Does Johnson City, TN, Allow Backyard Chickens?
No, it appears that chickens are only permitted in agriculturally zoned districts when the proper approval is obtained from the city health officer. If you have any questions about this, contact Planning & Development Services.
Does Jackson, TN, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, provided that the following conditions are met:
- Cannot be located within 250 feet of any property line
- Number of Chickens: 6 per single-family residential property
- Only female hens are permitted
- Hens must be kept in fenced in enclosure and a coop at all times
- Located 100 feet from any abutting property lines
- Not permitted in the front yard
Additional standards are in place for the coop and attached run, as well as for permitting and keeping backyard chickens. Please reach out to the Planning, Growth, & Development Department for additional information.
Does Hendersonville, TN, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Hendersonville does allow backyard chickens, but only in certain zoning districts. Additional requirements such as number of chickens and coop placement also vary by zoning district. To certify compliance, contact Zoning Enforcement.
Does Spring Hill, TN, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, with the proper backyard chicken keeping permit. This permit outlines the following requirements in order to get approved:
- Number of Chickens Allowed Per Single-Family Residence: 4
- Town home, multifamily homes, and similar units are prohibited from keeping them
- No roosters allowed
- Hens must be kept in a chicken coop with an attached run
- Coop & attached run must be set back 20 feet from any adjacent residential property
If you have any questions or want to certify permit compliance, contact Development Services.
Does Smyrna, TN, Allow Backyard Chickens?
It is unclear. There is a reference to domestic fowl being permitted, as long as they are not allowed to run at large and are kept in a clean, sanitary enclosure. However, no specific details are provided. It’s unclear how many chickens are allowed, what the setback requirements are, or which zoning districts permit them, making it uncertain whether backyard chickens are actually allowed. To get a definitive answer, contact the Planning & Zoning Department.
Does Kingsport, TN, Allow Backyard Chickens?
As mentioned on the code enforcement FAQ page, there is no specific ordinances prohibiting them, meaning that they are likely permitted, but there are no specific provisions in place. For clarification on the city’s regulations reach out to the Code Enforcement Office.
Does Bartlett, TN, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, you can keep chickens on residentially zoned properties, provided that they are kept in a proper enclosure. The exact number of chickens is unclear. For specific details, contact Code Enforcement.
Does Lebanon, TN, Allow Backyard Chickens?
They may be permitted so long as they are kept in a proper enclosure and do not become what is considered a nuisance, but specific provisions for keeping them are not clearly outlined. For clarification on what is allowed, contact the Planning Department.
Does Gallatin, TN, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, with an annual license, you can keep chickens in your backyard in Gallatin. The provisions for keeping them are as follows:
- Annual permit fee is $25 plus a $50 fee for a building permit for the construction of a henhouse and fenced enclosure
- Number of Chickens Allowed: Up to 6
- Only female chickens are allowed
- Hens may be kept for personal use only
- Hens must be kept in a coop or fenced in enclosure at all times
You can learn more about owning chickens in Gallatin here. If you have any questions or are seeking permit approval, contact the Planning Department.
Does Collierville, TN, Allow Backyard Chickens?
The town permits backyard chickens provided that they do not become a nuisance to your neighbors and that their area is kept clean. For more detailed information, contact Code Compliance.
Does Columbia, TN, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Backyard chickens are allowed so long as they are in compliance with the following regulations, including any applicable zoning or building codes:
- Number of Chickens Per Lot: 4
- No roosters allowed
- Must be kept in a coop sized in accordance with outlined regulations
- Cannot be used for commercial purposes
To certify compliance with applicable building and zoning regulations, including permitting requirements, contact the Zoning & Planning Department.
Does Cleveland, TN, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, but you must adhere to the following requirements:
- Number of Chickens Allowed: 6
- Only female chickens permitted
- Roosters prohibited
- Cannot be kept for commercial purposes
- Hens must be kept in a fenced-in enclosure at all times
Additional requirements are in place. To ensure compliance with all applicable backyard chicken laws, contact Development & Engineering Services.
Does Brentwood, TN, Allow Backyard Chickens?
It appears as though they are not permitted. For clarification on whether they are allowed, contact the Planning & Codes Department.
Backyard Chicken Laws By County in Tennessee
In Tennessee, backyard chicken laws are typically determined by your local officials. Most counties don’t have specific requirements in place for those who live in unincorporated areas, outside of prohibiting backyard chickens from becoming a nuisance or running at large.
However, a few counties do have specific requirements in place. We strongly encourage you to contact the official listed by your county below to find out what their requirements are.
Can I Sell My Chicken Eggs in Tennessee?
You can, but there are specific requirements you must meet. For example, many areas allow backyard chickens in residentially zoned areas, but only if they are kept for personal purposes. Egg sales would be considered commercial use and may require you to reside on an agriculturally or commercially-zoned property.
Egg sales are typically regulated by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, the US Department of Agriculture, and the US Food and Drug Administration. If you do raise chickens on a property where chickens are permitted to be kept for commercial purposes, you must comply with these regulatory body’s requirements.
Are Roosters Allowed in Residential Areas?
No, in most cases, roosters are strictly prohibited in residentially zoned areas. Contact your local officials to determine whether or not roosters are allowed.
How Many Chickens Can I Have in a 10×10 Coop?
A 10×10 coop provides 100 square feet of space. Most areas require about 2 square feet per chicken, which means up to 50 chickens could fit under that guideline. However, some localities require more space per bird or have additional requirements for an attached run. In those cases, a 10×10 coop would only accommodate fewer than 50 chickens, depending on the specific regulations.
Are Chickens Ok in 90-Degree Weather?
Yes, but they must be kept in the proper conditions. In hot weather, a coop with ventilation and cooling features and access to fresh water is essential. The Hen House Collection builds custom coops with ventilation and other customizable features to ensure your flock stays happy and healthy regardless of temperature.
The Final Step to Farm-Fresh Eggs Starts with the Right Coop
You’ve done the research. Now it’s time to give your chickens a safe, comfortable home that meets your local standards. The Hen House Collection offers prebuilt and custom coops, designed with ventilation, access to food and water, attached runs, and various sizes and styles. Every model is built to align with common zoning and animal care requirements across Tennessee. Browse our in-stock inventory or request a custom quote to build a coop that fits your space and your flock.
