Can I Have Chickens In My Backyard in Alabama?

Backyard chickens have become increasingly popular across Alabama as more homeowners look for fresh eggs, sustainable living, and a fun family hobby. While keeping chickens is legal in many parts of the state, the rules can vary widely depending on your city, county, zoning district, and HOA regulations. Before starting your flock, it is important to understand the local laws that may limit flock size, prohibit roosters, or require permits and coop restrictions.

Is It Legal to Have Chickens in Your Backyard in Alabama?

Yes, backyard chickens are typically allowed, as there is no statewide ban. However, the rules are controlled by local cities, counties, and HOA communities, so whether chickens are allowed on your property depends on your local zoning laws and neighborhood regulations.

Do You Need A Permit For Chickens in Alabama?

Chicken permit rules can vary a lot depending on where you live. The state generally does not require permits for small backyard flocks, but some cities and counties may require permits, inspections, or other approvals for keeping chickens. Businesses that hatch, raise, or sell poultry commercially must follow additional state licensing and inspection rules.

How Many Chickens Can I Have in Alabama?

Alabama does not have a statewide limit on backyard chickens, so the number you can keep depends on your city, county, zoning laws, and HOA rules. In some areas, homeowners may be allowed to keep only 2 to 6 hens, while in more rural areas, they may be allowed to keep 30 or more. Some cities also prohibit chickens entirely in residential neighborhoods. Because the rules vary so widely, it is best to check your local regulations first or check the table to see how many chickens are allowed in your city.

Can I Let My Chickens Free-Range in My Backyard?

In most areas, chickens must stay inside a coop or fenced run and are not allowed to roam freely around the neighborhood. However, the rules vary depending on where you live, and some rural areas may allow chickens to free range on private property. Because Alabama does not have a statewide law for backyard chickens, it is important to check your local city or county regulations before letting your chickens roam freely.

Can I Have A Rooster In My Backyard in Alabama?

In most areas of Alabama, roosters are prohibited in residential and suburban neighborhoods due to noise concerns and nuisance complaints. However, rooster ownership is regulated at the local level, meaning the exact rules depend on your city ordinances, county zoning regulations, and any HOA restrictions that may apply. Because regulations vary by location, it is important to check your municipality’s specific rules before keeping a rooster.

Can I Sell My Chicken Eggs in Alabama?

Yes, Alabama residents can sell eggs from backyard chickens, but the rules vary depending on how and where the eggs are sold. Home sales made directly to consumers usually do not require a permit if the eggs are properly cleaned and refrigerated, while sales at farmers’ markets or festivals require a free Alabama Growers Permit. Those planning to sell eggs commercially to stores, restaurants, or distributors must register with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and follow state and USDA grading and labeling standards.

Chicken Laws For Cities in Alabama

The chart below lists cities across Alabama along with the appropriate contact information for residents seeking details about backyard chicken regulations. Click on a city name in the left column to view that city’s specific ordinances and requirements regarding chicken ownership.

Does Athens, Alabama, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, chickens are conditionally allowed in Athens, AL, but only on EST (Estate Residential & Agricultural) zoned properties with at least 3 acres as part of a hobby farm. A building permit is also required for any chicken coop structure.

• Zoning Eligibility
  • Hobby farms (including fowl) are a permitted use only in the EST District. Not in R-1 or R-2 residential zones
  • EST District requires a minimum 3-acre lot
• Flock Size
  • Chickens count as 0.1 Animal Equivalent Units (AEU) per bird
  • Base allowance of 2.0 AEU = up to 20 birds on a qualifying 5-acre lot
• Coop & Setbacks
  • Fowl house: 75 ft from property lines; 200 ft from ROW and from any neighboring dwelling
  • Feed/manure storage: no closer than 100 ft from property lines, ROW, or water bodies
  • Coop as accessory structure: minimum 5 ft from side/rear lot lines; not permitted in front yard
• Prohibited Uses
  • Commercial egg or meat sales are explicitly prohibited; hobby farm use is for the owner and family only
• HOA Override
  • Deed restrictions or HOA covenants prohibiting livestock/fowl supersede city zoning permissions – check your CC&Rs before acquiring birds

Contact the Athens Planning & Zoning Department for permit requirements and to confirm Chapter 10 (Animals & Fowl) rules for your specific property.

Does Auburn, Alabama, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Auburn, AL, and a permit from the City of Auburn Planning Department is required before you can keep them.

Additional Permit Requirements

• Submit a parcel drawing showing your home with a $40 fee, coop location, and enclosure square footage
• Not allowed in the Downtown Overlay District

Flock Size

• Minimum lot size required (10,000–10,500 sq ft – confirm current threshold with the City)
• Up to 4 hens on smaller qualifying lots, up to 6 on lots 20,000+ sq ft, unlimited on parcels 3+ acres

Prohibited Animals

• No roosters (except on Rural-zoned lots larger than 3 acres)
• Chickens permitted as pets or for egg-laying only – no slaughter

Coop Rules

• Rear yard only, chickens must be enclosed at all times
• 4–6 sq ft of floor space per bird (verify current standard with the City)

Setbacks

• Setback distances conflict across ordinance versions (10 ft vs. 20 ft from property line; 30 ft vs. 50 ft from neighboring residences) – confirm enforced distances directly with the City before siting your coop

Contact the City of Auburn Planning Department at (334) 501-3040 or webplanning@auburnal.gov for permits and current ordinance details.

Does Birmingham, Alabama, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Birmingham, AL. No permit is required for small flocks, though a building/zoning permit may be required for the coop structure itself as an accessory structure.

Flock Size

• Up to 6 hens on lots under 1 acre, up to 12 hens on lots over 1 acre
• Flock limits may vary by zoning district. Confirm your zone before purchasing birds

Prohibited Animals

• Roosters not permitted 
• On-site slaughter prohibited

Coop Rules

• Rear yard only, enclosed, lockable, predator-proof with covered ventilation openings
• Run max 80 sq ft, max 6 ft tall, and built to block predators from above and below
• Materials must be new or in sound condition, wood or uniform metal, and treated to prevent decay

Setbacks

• 10 ft from property lines, 15 ft from residential structures on adjacent lots

Sanitation

• Manure removed regularly, coop kept dry, clean, and odor-free to avoid code enforcement action

Contact the City of Birmingham Department of Planning, Engineering & Permits at 710 20th St. North, Birmingham, AL 35203, or contact Senior Planner Jess Blankenship Mays directly at 205-254-2344.

Does Daphne, Alabama, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Daphne, AL, and no permit is required.

• Flock Size
  • Lots under ½ acre: max 4 hens
  • Lots over ½ acre: max 8 hens
    
• Prohibited Animals
  • Roosters banned, hens only
  • No slaughtering hens on residential property
  • No commercial egg or meat sales
    
• Setbacks
  • 25 ft from any property line
  • 50 ft from any neighboring residence
  • Not visible from any public right-of-way, 30 ft buffer from right-of-way on corner or double-frontage lots
    
• Coop Rules
  • Enclosed run required
  • Must not be visible from the public right-of-way
  • Kept clean and free of rodents, waste must not accumulate
    
• Zones
  • Single-family residential zones only
  • HOA rules may independently prohibit chickens regardless of city ordinance

Contact the City of Daphne Community Development / Planning & Zoning office for coop specifications and setback confirmations.

Does Decatur, Alabama, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Decatur, AL – no permit is required.

• Flock Size
  • Lots under 1 acre: max 4 hens
  • Lots over 1 acre: max 8 hens
    
• Prohibited Animals
  • Roosters not allowed
    
• Setbacks
  • 25 ft from any property line
  • 50 ft from any residence on an adjacent lot
  • Backyard placement only – front and side yards prohibited
    
• Coop Rules
  • Must be kept clean and free of rodents
  • Chickens must have adequate food, water, and care
    
• Slaughter & Sanitation
  • No slaughtering on residential property
  • Waste must not accumulate or create a public nuisance

Contact Decatur Animal Services at (256) 341-4790 or visit the Decatur Municipal Code, Chapter 4: Animals and Fowl for official ordinance details.

Does Dothan, Alabama, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Dothan, but a Special Exception approved by the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) is required before keeping any chickens. Approval is not automatic and is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

• Additional Permit Requirements
  • Special Exception application required, $35 nonrefundable filing fee
  • Minimum lot size: ½ acre
    
• Flock Size
  • No hard cap in city code, staff recommends no more than 6 hens
    
• Prohibited Animals
  • Roosters are strongly discouraged and not recommended by planning staff
    
• Coop Rules
  • Enclosed coop required
  • Premises must be kept sanitary – no offensive odors, no fly or insect larvae
    
• Setbacks
  • Coop must be at least 35 feet from any neighboring residence, church, school, public building, park, or playground

Contact the City of Dothan Planning & Development Department at (334) 615-4410 or visit Room 305, 126 N Saint Andrews Street, Dothan, AL 36303.

Does Enterprise, Alabama, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Enterprise, AL, and no permit appears to be required for a standard backyard flock – though a building permit may be required for the coop structure itself.

• Flock Size
  • Up to 6 hens on lots under ½ acre
  • Up to 25 hens on larger agricultural or estate lots
    
• Roosters
  • Banned in all residential zones
  • Maximum 2 roosters permitted in E-1 Estate districts only
    
• Setbacks
  • 15 ft minimum from property lines
  • 100 ft minimum from any neighbor’s dwelling
    
• Sanitation
  • Noise, odors, and improper waste disposal can trigger nuisance or animal control violations
  • Store feed in sealed containers; manage manure to avoid neighbor complaints
    
• HOA Warning
  • City approval does not override HOA covenants – check your CC&Rs before purchasing birds or building

Contact the City of Enterprise Engineering / Building Department or call (334) 347-1211 to verify current rules and permit requirements.

Does Fairhope, Alabama, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, backyard chickens are conditionally allowed in Fairhope, AL, and a permit may be required; verify directly with the city.

Flock Size

• 6–10 hens are typical for Baldwin County residential zones
• Exact Fairhope cap unconfirmed – verify before purchasing birds

Prohibited Animals

• No roosters in residential zones

Setbacks

• 30-foot minimum from neighboring homes (Baldwin County guidance)
• Fairhope-specific distances from property lines and streets are unconfirmed

Coop Rules

• Must be predator-proof; hardware cloth recommended
• Ventilation is required, given Alabama’s humidity
• Fairhope-specific size or construction requirements unconfirmed

HOA & Sanitation

• Baldwin County coastal communities frequently have HOA restrictions – check your CC&Rs before building
• Waste disposal must be sanitary; noise, odors, and wandering birds can trigger nuisance violations

Contact the City of Fairhope Planning & Zoning Department at (251) 928-2136 to confirm current rules before getting started.

Does Florence, Alabama, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Florence, AL. Contact the city directly to clarify before starting your flock.

• Flock Size
  • Maximum 6 hens for lots under 10,000 sq ft
  • Up to 12 hens possible on larger lots (unverified upper limit)
    
• Prohibited Animals
  • Roosters banned in residential areas
    
• Coop Rules
  • Must be clean, secure, and predator-proofed
  • Shelter specifications may apply; full details are in the Florence Code of Ordinances, Chapter 4
    
• Setbacks
  • Typical Alabama range is 10–25 ft from property lines
    
• HOA
  • HOA covenants can override city allowances; check your CC&Rs before building

Contact the Florence Planning & Development Department at (256) 760-6416 for more information.

Does Foley, Alabama, Allow Backyard Chickens?

No, backyard chickens are not allowed in Foley, AL.

• Prohibited Zones: All residential districts (R-1R through MH-1), all commercial districts, and M-1 (Light Industrial)
  
• Only Exception: A-O (Agricultural Open Space) zone permits farm/agricultural use, including poultry
  • Minimum 1-acre lot and 150-ft lot width required
  • Accessory structures must be 5 ft from lot lines, 10 ft from any habitable structure
  • Front/rear yard setbacks 50 ft, side yard 25 ft
    
• Permit: Any coop structure requires a standard building permit
  
• Variance Option: Board of Adjustment and Appeals may grant exceptions – $150 fee, public hearing required, approval not guaranteed
  
• Sanitation (A-O zone): Premises must be free of unsanitary droppings, odors, and conditions that breed flies or fleas

Contact the City of Foley Community Development Department at (251) 943-1545 or 407 E. Laurel Ave., Foley, AL 36535 with zoning or variance questions.

Does Gadsden, Alabama, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Gadsden, AL, provided you follow the city’s zoning regulations, minimum lot size rules, and required coop standards.

• Permit
  • A city permit is required before keeping backyard chickens
    
• Flock Size & Roosters
  • Up to 6 hens are allowed on residential properties.
  • Roosters are prohibited in residential areas and only allowed in AG-1 agricultural areas
    
• Coop & Setbacks
  • Coops must be placed in the backyard only
  • Coops must be at least 10 feet from property lines
  • Coops must be at least 30 feet from neighboring homes
  • Structures must be kept clean and designed to prevent predators

Contact Gadsden Animal Control at 256-549-4508 or the Gadsden Zoning Office at 256-549-4500 for a definitive answer.

Does Homewood, Alabama, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Homewood, Alabama, but the regulations are extremely restrictive. While city ordinances technically permit fowl in residential areas, the required space and setback rules make it difficult for most standard residential properties to qualify.

• Setbacks
  • 300 feet from all residences and buildings
  • 100+ feet from any road
  • Virtually impossible to meet on a standard suburban lot
    
• Flock Size & Roosters
  • No hen limit specified
  • No confirmed rooster rule found
    
• Coop Rules
  • No specific coop standards confirmed
  • Noise, odor, and unsanitary conditions are prohibited
    
• Permit
  • No permit process found
  • Keeping chickens is only allowed if setback rules are met
• HOA
  • HOA covenants may add further restrictions beyond the city ordinance

Contact the City of Homewood Engineering & Zoning Department at (205) 332-6200 with questions.

Does Hoover, Alabama, Allow Backyard Chickens?

In Hoover, Alabama, backyard chickens are heavily restricted. Chickens are generally prohibited in standard residential neighborhoods unless the property is zoned agricultural, which usually requires at least 5 acres.

• Flock Size
  • Lots under 15,000 sq ft: max 4 hens
  • Lots over 15,000 sq ft: max 6 hens
    
• Prohibited Animals
  • Roosters not allowed
  • No slaughtering on residential property
    
• Setbacks
  • Coops/runs must be 20 ft from any property line
  • Coops/runs must be 50 ft from any residence on an adjacent lot
    
• Coop Rules
  • Must be kept clean and free of rodents
  • Chickens must have adequate food, water, and care
    
• Nuisance & Enforcement
  • Waste must not accumulate or create a public nuisance
  • Violations require a court appearance – not just a fine

Contact the City of Hoover Planning & Zoning Division at 205-444-7648 or zoning@hooveralabama.gov to confirm current rules for your specific zone.

Does Huntsville, Alabama, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Huntsville, AL, and no permit is required.

• Flock Size
  • Max 6 hens (lots under ½ acre) / max 12 hens (lots over ½ acre)
    
• Roosters
  • Roosters prohibited
    
• Setbacks
  • 25 feet from neighboring residences and public rights-of-way
    
• Coop & Sanitation Rules
  • Coop and run must be clean and rodent-free
  • Waste must not accumulate to create a public nuisance
  • On-site slaughter is not allowed
    
• HOA
  • City approval does not override HOA restrictions. Review your CC&Rs for “livestock,” “poultry,” or “farm animals” language before purchasing birds

Contact Huntsville Animal Services at (256) 883-3783 to confirm current rules.

Does Madison, Alabama, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Madison, AL, and a revocable permit from city officials is required to keep them legally.

Flock Size

• Up to 6 hens per property, roosters not confirmed as permitted. Verify directly with the city

Permit

• A revocable permit required; the city may revoke it with 10 days’ written notice for non-compliance
• Apply online: buildportal.madisonal.gov

Coop Rules

• Minimum 4 sq ft of floor space per bird inside the coop
• Minimum 10 sq ft per bird in the outdoor run
• Chickens must be confined – free roaming is not permitted

Setbacks

• Coop must be at least 150 feet from any neighboring dwelling

HOA

• City permit does not override HOA covenants; review your CC&Rs before building

Contact the City of Madison Planning & Economic Development Department at (256) 772-5630 or visit library.municode.com/al/madison (Chapter 6, Animal Control) for the full ordinance.

Does Mobile, Alabama, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Mobile, AL, and a $25 annual backyard fowl permit is required before keeping them.

• Permit
  • $25 annual fee, apply through the City Clerk’s Office
  • Property inspection required, permit subject to renewal each year
• Flock Size
  • Hens only, roosters prohibited in residential zones
  • Lots under 10,000 sq ft, max 4 hens,  larger lots may allow more
• Coop Rules
  • Must include shelter, ventilation, secure latches, and an attached run
  • Coop size must reflect the number of hens and property size per Animal Control standards
• Setbacks
  • Coop at least 40 feet from neighboring dwellings
  • 8-foot setback from property lines for all structures
• Sanitation
  • Coop must be kept clean and odor-free
  • Waste, feathers, and carcasses must be properly disposed of per local sanitation rules

Contact the City of Mobile City Clerk’s Office at (251) 208-7411 to apply for a permit and confirm rules for your specific lot.

Does Montgomery, Alabama, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Montgomery, AL, but most residential zones require a Special Exception approved by the Board of Adjustment before you can keep a flock.

Permit

• Residential zones (R-50 through R-125): Special Exception required via Board of Adjustment
• Agricultural zones (AGR-1, AGR-2): No special exception needed
• Zoning permit required for coop construction

Flock Size

• Maximum 6 hens, confirm with the city before purchasing

Prohibited Animals

• Roosters are not allowed

Coop Rules

• Coop required on each lot where chickens are kept
• Must be located in the rear yard
• Strict sanitation maintenance required
• Board of Adjustment can revoke approval if neighbor complaints arise

Contact the City of Montgomery Planning & Development Department at 334-625-2713 or 311@montgomeryal.gov for zoning verification, special exception applications, and coop permit requirements.

Does Northport, Alabama, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Chickens are technically allowed in Northport, but no permit system currently exists, and the 300-foot setback requirement makes keeping them impractical on most residential lots. While no permit is currently required, residents have proposed a future permit system as part of a code change, though it has not been adopted.

Setbacks

• Chickens must be kept at least 300 feet from any residence, park, or place of business
• This single rule is the primary restriction – it effectively rules out most standard residential yards

Flock Size & Roosters

• No confirmed hen limit or rooster restriction exists in the current code

Coop Rules

• No coop size, construction, or feature requirements found in the current Northport ordinance

HOA

• Any proposed city code changes would not override HOA covenants – check your CC&Rs before proceeding

Contact the City of Northport Planning & Zoning Commission at (205) 339-6500 to confirm current ordinance language and any updates since 2021.

Does Opelika, Alabama, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Opelika, and a Planning Director permit with site plan approval is required before keeping any hens.

Flock Size (lot-size dependent, hens only)

• 10,000–19,999 sq ft → 4 hens
• 20,000–29,999 sq ft → 6 hens
• 30,000+ sq ft → 10 hens

Prohibited Animals

• Roosters strictly prohibited

Coop Rules

• Chickens are confined at all times, with no free-ranging
• Minimum 6 sq ft per chicken inside enclosure
• Must be covered, clean, dry, odor-free, and sanitary

Setbacks

• 10 ft minimum from any adjacent property line
• 50 ft minimum from any neighboring dwelling, church, school, or business
• Rear yard only, no front or side yards

Additional Permit Requirements

• Site plan submitted and signed off by the Planning Department
• Environmental Services Department co-approval is also required
• No commercial use, egg sales, on-site slaughter, or breeding permitted

Contact the Opelika Planning Department at (334) 705-5156 to apply.

Does Phenix City, Alabama, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, chickens are only allowed on A-1-zoned properties (Low Density Residential and General Agricultural District). No permit is required for the chickens themselves, but a building permit is required before constructing a coop.

• Zoning
  • Permitted by right in the A-1 District only
  • Prohibited in all standard residential zones (R-1, R-1A, R-1B, R-2, R-3)
  • Use “Find My Zoning District” to confirm your parcel’s zone
• Flock Size & Roosters
  • No flock size limit or rooster restriction is specified in the zoning ordinance
  • Verify with the city – Chapter 10 of the Code of Ordinances (Animals) may apply
• Coop Rules
  • A building permit is required before construction
  • Cannot be placed in a required front yard
  • Must be at least 10 ft. from any other structure on the same lot
• Setbacks (A-1 District)
  • Front/street-side yard: 50 ft. minimum
  • Side yard: 25 ft. minimum
  • Rear yard: 50 ft. minimum
• HOA Warning
  • Even on A-1 land, private HOA covenants or deed restrictions can independently prohibit chickens – check your CC&Rs before purchasing birds or building

Contact the Phenix City Building Department / Zoning Division at 334-448-2740 or visit 1119 Broad St., Phenix City, AL 36867 for permit and zoning confirmation.

Does Prattville, Alabama, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, residents in Prattville, Alabama, are permitted to keep backyard chickens, although the city’s Zoning Ordinance places strict rules and limitations on them.

• Zoning Status
• Flock Size & Roosters
  • Up to 5 chickens are permitted
  • Roosters are prohibited
• Coop Rules
  • Chickens must be kept in a secure, well-ventilated coop with an attached roofed run
• HOA
  • Homeowners Association rules may be more restrictive than city ordinances, so residents should review their HOA covenants and restrictions (CC&Rs)

Contact the City of Prattville Planning & Development Department at (334) 595-0500 or prattvilleal.gov with your parcel number to confirm what your zoning district allows.

Does Trussville, Alabama, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Trussville, AL, and no permit is required.

Flock Size

• Personal enjoyment flocks: no specific hen limit stated in zoning ordinance
• Hobby Farm (3+ acres required): max 20 poultry per acre

Roosters

• Allowed per city ordinance records

Coop & Setbacks

• Hobby Farm classification only: animal housing must be 200+ feet from any adjacent lot
• Personal enjoyment flocks: no coop setback specified in zoning ordinance

Sanitation

• Manure and organic waste must be disposed of to avoid polluting groundwater, lakes, or streams

HOA

• City rules don’t override HOA covenants – review your CC&Rs before getting birds

Contact the City of Trussville Planning & Zoning at (205) 655-7440 with questions.

Does Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Tuscaloosa, AL – no permit is required.

• Flock Size
  • Lots under 15,000 sq ft: max 4 hens
  • Lots over 15,000 sq ft: max 8 hens
  • Roosters prohibited
• Setbacks
  • 20 ft minimum from any property line
  • 50 ft minimum from any neighboring residence
• Coop Rules
  • Must be secure, well-ventilated, and sanitary
  • Must be free of rodents
  • Fresh food and water required at all times
• Sanitation
  • Waste must be properly disposed of, no nuisance accumulation
  • Eggs should be collected daily, coop should be cleaned regularly
• Prohibited
  • On-site slaughter is not allowed
  • HOA rules may impose stricter or outright bans; check your CC&Rs

Contact City of Tuscaloosa Animal Control at 205-248-5843 or msledge@tuscaloosa.com with questions, or review the full ordinance under Chapter 4 – Animals and Fowl.

Does Vestavia Hills, Alabama, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, backyard chickens are allowed. You must obtain conditional use approval from the City Council before keeping any hens.

Permit

• $100 application fee required
• Submit: conditional use application, property survey showing coop location, copy of any restrictive covenant, and a letter detailing your request
• Application deadline: 25 working days before the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting
• Process: P&Z Commission public hearing → recommendation → City Council public hearing → approval/denial

Flock Size

• Set case-by-case through the conditional use process, with no universal city-wide limit
• At least one approval was granted for 6 hens

Coop Rules

• Coop placement and daily care parameters were reviewed and set individually, per approval
• No universal codified coop specifications exist

Setbacks

• No fixed numeric setbacks confirmed, coop placement evaluated via submitted property survey on a case-by-case basis

HOA Restrictions

• City approval does not override deed restrictions or HOA covenants; review yours before applying

Contact the Vestavia Hills City Clerk’s Office (Umang Patel, 1032 Montgomery Highway) at 205-978-0131 or the City Planner (Jack Wakefield) at 205-978-0101 for conditional use application guidance.

Laws for Keeping Backyard Chickens in Alabama By County

If you are looking for information about backyard chicken laws in your area, check the table below to find your city and review the local regulations. 

Chicken Coops That Help You Stay Compliant With Local Regulations

Looking for a safe and stylish home for your backyard flock? At the Hen House Collection, we offer high-quality wooden chicken coops designed for comfort, durability, and easy maintenance, with options available for both small and large flocks. Our coops can also help homeowners comply with local backyard chicken regulations by providing secure enclosures, proper ventilation, and enclosed runs that meet many city ordinance requirements.