Are you looking to get chickens in Missouri and are not sure where to start? You’ve come to the right place! We’ve done the research so you can get all the information you need and the contact information to get started in chicken-keeping.
Is It Legal to Have Chickens in Your Backyard in Missouri?
Yes! In Missouri, it is legal to have chickens in your backyard. A recent bill allows up to six chickens on a lot of 2/10ths of an acre or larger. Chickens must be kept in a predator-proof coop that is regularly cleaned. While there is a state-wide bill, each city has its own regulations, so check our city chart for city-specific information!
Do You Need A Permit For Chickens in Missouri?
It depends. Some areas require a permit for chicken keeping, and some areas may also require a permit for the chicken coop. We’ve helped break down each city and determine whether it needs a permit.
How Many Chickens Can I Have in Missouri?
Missouri state sets the limit at six chickens per property. Some cities allow more or less than that amount. Make sure to check with local ordinances to ensure you don’t get the maximum amount of chickens allowed in your area.
Can I Let My Chickens Free-Range in My Backyard?
Due to nuisance complaints, chickens are not allowed to free-range in your backyard. They must be well-kept and cleaned in a chicken coop. Some areas require an indoor coop with an enclosed area for the chickens to roam outdoors. A combination coop is the perfect option for giving chickens an indoor and outdoor space to roam.
Can I Have A Rooster In My Backyard in Missouri?
No, roosters will usually not be allowed in backyards in Missouri. This is due to noise complaints and being a nuisance. Check our city regulation section or contact your local planning department to find out if roosters are allowed in your area.
Can I Sell My Chicken Eggs in Missouri?
Yes! You can sell your chicken eggs in Missouri. A license is required if you are selling to a market or store, but selling from your home does not require a license to sell your eggs. Visit this website to get your retail license.
All eggs must be candled and graded, and cartons must be labeled with the size, grade, name, and address of the person packaging them. Eggs must be 45ºF or less. For more information, contact the Missouri Department of Agriculture.
Chicken Laws For Cities in Missouri
Below is a chart of cities in Missouri and their point of contact for more information on whether chickens are allowed. Click the city on the left side of the chart to be taken to the city’s regulation information.
Does Arnold, MO Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, Arnold, MO allows backyard chickens under specific regulations:
- Only single-family dwellings are permitted to have backyard chickens
- Lot size must be a minimum of one-half acre
- Six chickens are allowed per one-half acre of land
- The maximum number of chickens is 15
- Chickens must be kept in a coop 50 feet from neighbor property lines and 15 feet from the primary dwelling
- Roosters are not allowed
For more information, reach out to the Arnold Planning & Zoning Department or read their Code of Ordinances for more regulation information.
Does Ballwin, MO Allow Backyard Chickens?
As of now, backyard chickens are not allowed in Ballwin if you have less than two acres of land. Contact the Planning & Zoning Department for more information.
Does Belton, MO Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, chickens are allowed in Belton, MO. The maximum number of chickens allowed is ten to avoid being a public nuisance. Roosters are prohibited. For more information, contact the Planning & Zoning Department.
Does Blue Springs, MO Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, chickens are allowed in Blue Springs, MO, with the following restrictions:
- Up to six chickens are allowed per property
- A one-time permit is required to keep chickens on the property
- Chicken coops must be 10 feet from property lines and 40 feet from neighboring properties
To get started, reach out to the Blue Springs Planning Division.
Does Cape Girardeau, MO Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes! Chickens are allowed in Cape Girardeau, MO. The maximum number of chickens allowed is six. Roosters are not allowed. Chicken coops must be 10 feet from property lines. For more information, read the Code of Ordinances or reach out to the city’s Planning Services.
Does Chesterfield, MO Allow Backyard Chickens?
No, Chesterfield, MO does not allow chickens on lots less than 2 acres. To get more information, reach out to the Chesterfield Planning Department.
Does Columbia, MO Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, chickens are allowed in Columbia, MO, with these restrictions:
- Up to six chickens are allowed
- Roosters are prohibited
- Chicken coops must be 10 feet from property lines and 25 feet from structures
For more information, read the Code of Ordinances or contact the Planning Division.
Does Florissant, MO Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, in Florissant, MO, backyard chickens are allowed. A permit is required to keep more than four chickens. Chickens will have to be kept in a chicken coop that is well-maintained and free of any odors. The permit is valid for three years from the date approved.
Does Gladstone, MO Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, keeping chickens in your backyard is allowed in Gladstone, MO. A permit is required that has been issued by the city. For more information on permits, reach out to the city’s Planning & Zoning Department.
Does Grandview, MO Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, chickens are allowed in Grandview, MO, but only in certain areas. Hens are allowed in the city’s R-1A, R-1, and R-1M zones (single-family residential districts). There is no limit for chickens in agricultural districts, but they must be kept in a chicken coop. For any questions, contact the Grandview Development Services.
Does Hazelwood, MO Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, chickens are allowed in Hazelwood, MO. A permit is required to keep chickens and must be filed with the City’s Public Works Department. Chickens must be kept in a coop that is not greater than thirty square feet in size. The coop must be at least ten feet from buildings and property lines. For more information, reach out to the Planning Department.
Does Independence, MO Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes! Chickens are allowed in Independence, MO. Up to six chickens are allowed in a coop 6 feet from the property line and 50 feet from other residences for non-commercial purposes. Roosters are not allowed. For more information, contact the Development Services.
Does Jefferson City, MO Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, Jefferson City, MO does allow backyard chickens. It is not specified how many chickens you can have in your backyard, but they must be kept in a chicken coop that is at least 100 feet from neighbor lines. To get more information, contact the Planning & Zoning Division.
Does Joplin, MO Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, chickens are allowed in Joplin, MO, as long as you have a permit. For more information on getting a permit, contact Animal Control.
Does Kansas City, MO Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes! Chickens are allowed in Kansas City with a maximum of 15 chickens. Coops must be 100 feet from neighboring residences. Roosters are allowed as long as they are 300 feet away from neighboring residences. For more information, reach out to Kansas City Planning & Development.
Does Lee’s Summit, MO Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes! Chickens are allowed in Lee’s Summit, MO, with the following restrictions:
- Up to six chickens are allowed
- Coops must be at least ten feet from property lines and forty feet from neighbor properties
- Coops must be clean and predator-proof
- No roosters
For more information, reach out to Development Services.
Does Liberty, MO Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Liberty, MO, but you must follow these requirements:
- Live in a lot smaller than 30,000 square feet in a single-family residential neighborhood
- Up to six hens are allowed
- No roosters
- Apply for a backyard hen permit, permits are issued for one year and may be renewed for an additional two years
- Chicken coops must be at least 30 feet from any residential structure and 10 feet from all property lines
For more information on keeping chickens and getting your permit, reach out to the Planning & Development Department.
Does Maryland Heights, MO Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Maryland Heights, MO! There is no chicken limit for single-famiyl residential properties greater than three acres. For properties with less than three acres, four chickens are allowed. Roosters are prohibited in Maryland Heights. Reach out to Planning & Zoning for more information.
Does Nixa, MO Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, chickens are allowed in Nixa, MO, with the following restrictions:
- Up to six chickens are allowed
- Roosters are prohibited
- Chicken coops must be 120 square feet or larger
- You must apply for a permit from the Nixa Planning & Development Department to place a coop on your property
For more information, reach out to the Nixa Planning & Development Department.
Does Ozark, MO Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes! Chickens are allowed in Ozark, MO.
- No more than six chickens can live on a property
- Roosters are not allowed
- Coops must be 50 feet away from a neighbor’s residence
Reach out to Planning & Development for more information.
Does Raymore, MO Allow Backyard Chickens?
No, chickens are not allowed in Raymore, MO, unless in agricultural districts. To learn more, reach out to the Raymore Planning & Zoning Commission.
Does Rolla, MO Allow Backyard Chickens?
Chickens are allowed in Rolla, MO, but the number of chickens should not create health or unsanitary conditions in which they will not be permitted. Contact Community Development for more information.
Does Sedalia, MO Allow Backyard Chickens?
There aren’t specific regulations for backyard chickens in Sedalia, MO. However, make sure your chickens are kept in an enclosure and the enclosure is kept clean. It’s important to ensure your flock doesn’t cause a public nuisance, which is why roosters are usually prohibited. Reach out to the Sedalia Planning & Zoning Commission for more information.
Does Springfield, MO Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, chickens are allowed in Springfield, MO, with the following restrictions:
- Up to six chickens are allowed per land
- No roosters are allowed
- Chickens must be kept in a coop that is 25 feet from other residences and three feet from property lines
Contact Planning & Development for more information.
Does St. Louis, MO Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes! Backyard chickens are allowed in St. Louis, MO, with these regulations:
- Up to 8 chickens are allowed
- Roosters are prohibited
- A chicken coop with access to an outdoor enclosure that is also predator-proof
- The coop must be located in the backyard and at least 10 feet away from structures and neighboring buildings
- If you would like to keep more than eight chickens, you will have to apply for a Small Farm Animal Permit annually
For more information, reach out to the St. Louis Planning Department.
Does St. Peters, MO Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, chickens are allowed in St. Peters, MO, as long as you follow these guidelines:
- No roosters
- Up to eight hens are allowed on single-family residences
- A permit is required
- Coops must be 10 feet from property lines and 25 feet from neighboring residences
For more information, read the Code of Ordinances or contact the Planning Department.
Does University City, MO Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, chickens are allowed in University City, but a permit is required. Reach out to Planning & Zoning for more information.
Does Webster Groves, MO Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, up to eight chickens are allowed in Webster Groves, MO. For more information, reach out to Planning & Development.
Does Wentzville, MO Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, female chickens are allowed in Wentzville, MO, as long as they are in a chicken coop. The number of chickens allowed depends on the zone you are located in:
- R-1A (1-acre minimum lot area) – ten chickens
- R-1B (20,000 square feet minimum lot area) – eight chickens
- R-1C, R-1D, and R-1E – six chickens
- PD-R and R-2 – four chickens
For more information and a zoning map, contact the Planning & Zoning Commission.
Laws for Keeping Backyard Chickens in Missouri By County
Looking for information for your county in Missouri? We provided you with the best available point of contact to get your questions answered.
Ready To Start Your Backyard Chicken-Keeping Journey?
Now that you have chicken law information for your location, it’s time for the next steps. It’s time for you to get your Amish-built, high-quality chicken coops to add to your backyard. We can customize the chicken coop to fit what you have been imagining.
Are you not sure what chickens to get? We have that information, too, with the 11 most friendly chickens. We also answer your questions about egg-laying. Let The Hen House Collection help start your chicken adventure!
