grass right

Can I Have Chickens In My Backyard in Arkansas?

Keeping chickens in your backyard in Arkansas sounds simple, but finding out if they’re allowed on your property can take some work. There’s no single statewide answer, so you’ll need to check local codes or contact local officials to learn what applies where you live. Those requirements aren’t always easy to find. Trust us, we’ve done the research.

To make it easier, we’ve gathered the requirements we found for 27 cities and listed all 75 counties with local contacts where available. Find your city or county below to learn what’s allowed and who to contact before bringing your chickens home.

Last Updated:

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

chickens at feeder and waterers

Yes. Backyard chickens are legal in many Arkansas cities, but the requirements vary by location. Of the 27 cities we researched, some allow chickens in residential areas, while others have restrictions based on zoning, lot size, or other property requirements.

For example, West Memphis allows up to 6 hens in residential zones, while Springdale restricts chickens to qualifying A-1 Agricultural properties outside platted subdivisions. Check your city’s requirements below, or use our county table to find the appropriate local official to contact.

Do You Need A Permit For Chickens in Arkansas?

two chickens inside nesting box

It depends on where you live. Cabot requires a $10 annual permit; North Little Rock also requires a $10 annual permit; Rogers requires a permit from Animal Services; and Paragould requires a $5 permit outside agricultural zones. Some Arkansas cities require a permit to keep backyard chickens, while others do not have a specific chicken permit requirement, so check with your city or county official below to confirm the requirements in your area.

How Many Chickens Can I Have in Arkansas?

chickens inside outdoor run of chicken coop in Kansas

Around 6 chickens is common, but it varies based on where you live. Rogers allows up to 4 hens, Harrison and West Memphis allow up to 6 hens, Sherwood allows up to 12 fowl on residential lots smaller than 1 acre, and Fort Smith allows up to 20 fowl on qualifying lots. Some cities also base flock limits on your lot size, so check your city or county requirements below to find the exact limit for your property.

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

It depends on where you live. Sherwood allows chickens to roam in a fenced backyard as long as they stay on the property, while West Memphis requires backyard poultry to be kept in cages. Check your city or county requirements below and confirm any enclosure requirements with local officials before letting your chickens roam.

Can I Have A Rooster In My Backyard in Arkansas?

3 roosters

Again, it depends on where you live, but many cities in Arkansas prohibit roosters. Rogers, Harrison, Cabot, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Van Buren, and West Memphis are all examples of cities where roosters are not allowed.

There are exceptions. Sherwood allows 1 male fowl as part of its 12 fowl limit on residential properties smaller than 1 acre, while Jacksonville allows roosters on residential properties of at least 2.5 acres.

Can I Sell My Chicken Eggs in Arkansas?

Yes, but state and local requirements may apply. Arkansas allows producers with fewer than 700 hens to sell eggs under specific requirements for handling, packaging, labeling, and storage. Contact the Arkansas Department of Agriculture or visit their website to confirm the requirements that apply to how you plan to sell your eggs.

Local regulations may also restrict keeping chickens for commercial purposes. Before selling eggs from your backyard flock, confirm with local officials that your property’s zoning and chicken keeping rules allow that use.

Chicken Laws For Cities in Arkansas

Below are 27 major cities in Arkansas. If you click your city’s name on the left-hand side of this table, you can see what its requirements are for keeping backyard chickens. If you have any questions about what’s allowed on your property, contact your city official on the right-hand side of the table.

Bella VistaPlanning
BentonPlanning & Zoning
BentonvilleCurrent Planning
BryantPlanning & Development
CabotPlanning
CentertonPlanning & Development
ConwayPlanning & Development
FayettevillePlanning
Fort SmithPlanning & Zoning
HarrisonPlanning & Floodplain Management
Hot SpringsPlanning & Development
JacksonvillePlanning
JonesboroPlanning & Zoning
Little RockPlanning & Development
MaumellePlanning
North Little RockPlanning
ParagouldPlanning & Development
Pine BluffPlanning
RogersCommunity Development
RussellvillePlanning & Development
SearcyPlanning & Development
SherwoodPermits & Planning
Siloam SpringsPlanning
SpringdalePlanning
TexarkanaPlanning
Van BurenPlanning & Development
West MemphisPlanning & Development

Does Bella Vista, Arkansas, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, the city allows backyard chickens on certain properties, but Property Owners’ Associations can prohibit them, which can complicate matters. According to the city code, backyard chickens are permitted under the following conditions:

That said, properties subject to Bella Vista Property Owners Association restrictions may have additional rules for keeping poultry. Check the restrictions that apply to your property, as well as city requirements. For questions about city regulations, contact the Planning and Development Department.

Does Benton, Arkansas, Allow Backyard Chickens?

The city does not have clear regulations specifically addressing backyard chickens. Some residents have reported that chickens are allowed as long as they are kept in sanitary conditions and do not create a nuisance, but these reports should not be treated as official requirements. Contact the Planning and Zoning and Code Compliance Departments to confirm applicable rules for zoning, flock limits, coop standards, and other requirements.

Does Bentonville, Arkansas, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes. Bentonville allows backyard chickens at single-family dwellings, with specific requirements for flock size, roosters, enclosure placement, and upkeep, including:

Contact the Planning Department to confirm your property is eligible and that your plans meet all applicable requirements before keeping backyard chickens.

Does Bryant, Arkansas, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Bryant prohibits chickens and other fowl from running at large, but that restriction alone does not establish which properties can keep backyard chickens. Additional regulations were proposed in 2026, but they have not been officially adopted or added to the city code. Until those requirements are finalized, contact the Planning and Development Department and Animal Services to confirm the rules that apply to your property.

Does Cabot, Arkansas, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, you can keep chickens in your backyard as long as you follow these requirements:

Contact Cabot Animal Services for chicken permit requirements and the Planning and Zoning Department for questions about applicable zoning and building requirements.

Does Centerton, Arkansas, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes. However, some requirements are unclear. City code states that chickens and other fowl cannot run at large and must be confined in a coop or pen that provides adequate space and protection from the elements. The city’s zoning and development codes do not specify which residential properties can keep chickens, how many are allowed, or if a permit is required. Roosters, however, are strictly prohibited.

 Contact the Planning and Development Department to confirm any zoning, property-specific, or additional requirements before keeping backyard chickens.

Does Conway, Arkansas, Allow Backyard Chickens?


Yes. Conway allows chickens within city limits, but they cannot run at large and must remain within their owner’s enclosure. The city also requires adequate space, food, and water, and pens must be maintained to prevent fecal runoff onto neighboring properties and excessive odors. For specific requirements regarding zoning, flock limits, roosters, and other property requirements, contact the Planning and Development Department.

Does Fayetteville, Arkansas, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, you can have chickens in your backyard, provided that:

Flock Limit:

Lot SizeMaximum Flock
5,000 square feet or smaller4 fowl
Larger than 5,000 square feet4 fowl, plus 1 additional fowl for every additional 1,250 square feet
Overall maximum20 fowl

The limit applies to hens and ducks combined. Contact Planning to confirm the allowance for your exact lot size when it includes a partial 1,250 square foot increment.

Contact the Planning Department to confirm the requirements that apply to your property.

Does Fort Smith, Arkansas, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, you can have chickens in your backyard, provided that:

Contact the Fort Smith Planning & Zoning Department to confirm requirements for your property and for information about conditional use approval when applicable.

Does Harrison, Arkansas, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, as long as your property has a single-family dwelling, is not a multifamily property or duplex, and meets the following requirements:

Contact the Planning & Floodplain Management Department with questions about zoning or requirements that apply to your property.

Does Hot Springs, Arkansas, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, Hot Springs allows chickens within city limits, provided that you meet the following requirements:

Contact the Hot Springs Planning & Development Department to confirm zoning requirements, how many chickens you can keep on your property, and any additional regulations that may apply.

Does Jacksonville, Arkansas, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, Jacksonville allows chickens within city limits, provided that you meet the city’s requirements:

Maximum ChickensEnclosure Setback Requirement
3 chickensAt least 50 feet from any public street, business, or residence other than your own
6 chickensAt least 75 feet from any public street, business, or residence other than your own
No flock limitResidential properties of at least 2.5 acres

Contact the Jacksonville Planning Department to confirm zoning and building requirements for your property.

Does Jonesboro, Arkansas, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, Jonesboro allows chickens within city limits, but the city limits the total number of domestic animals and fowl that can be kept on a property.

Contact Jonesboro Animal Services with questions about flock limits, roosters, and other animal requirements. For zoning or property-specific requirements, contact the Jonesboro Planning & Zoning Department.

Does Little Rock, Arkansas, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes. Little Rock allows chickens within city limits as long as they have adequate housing and meet the city’s space and setback requirements.

For information about flock limits, roosters, permits, zoning, or other property requirements, contact the Little Rock Planning & Development Department.

Does Maumelle, Arkansas, Allow Backyard Chickens?

No, not on a permanent basis. Maumelle only allows chickens and other farm animals to be kept temporarily. A residence may keep 1 chicken for up to 90 days per calendar year. Contact Maumelle Animal Services for questions about these requirements or any exceptions that may apply.

Does North Little Rock, Arkansas, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes. North Little Rock allows chickens and other fowl within city limits, but you must obtain an annual permit and meet the city’s setback and sanitation requirements.

Contact the North Little Rock Planning Department to confirm zoning and property requirements, Code Enforcement for flock limits, roosters, and other animal regulations, and the City Clerk for questions about the required annual permit.

Does Paragould, Arkansas, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes. Paragould allows chickens within city limits, with different requirements based on your property’s zoning.

Contact Paragould Code Enforcement for questions about the $5 poultry permit and ordinance requirements, Animal Control for questions about flock limits, roosters, and keeping chickens, and the Planning & Development Department to confirm your property’s zoning.

Does Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes. Pine Bluff allows chickens within city limits, provided you meet the city’s flock limit, housing, and setback requirements.

Contact Pine Bluff Animal Control to confirm flock limits, rooster requirements, and other animal regulations. Contact the Inspection and Zoning Department to confirm zoning and other property requirements before keeping chickens.

Does Rogers, Arkansas, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes. Rogers allows backyard chickens in residential zones with a permit from Rogers Animal Services.

Contact Rogers Animal Services at (479) 621-1197 to obtain a permit or confirm flock, rooster, and enclosure requirements. Contact the Rogers Community Development Department to confirm zoning and other property requirements.

Does Russellville, Arkansas, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, so long as you adhere to the following requirements:

Contact the Russellville Planning & Development Department to confirm zoning and property requirements, and Animal Control for questions about flock limits, roosters, and other chicken-keeping requirements.

Does Searcy, Arkansas, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes. Searcy allows chickens within city limits, with a limit on the number of fowl you can keep on most properties.

Contact the Searcy Planning & Development Department to confirm your property’s zoning and any property requirements. Contact Animal Control at (501) 279-1099 for questions about roosters, chicken enclosures, and other animal requirements.

Does Sherwood, Arkansas, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, provided that:

Contact the Sherwood Permits & Planning Division to confirm zoning and property requirements, and Animal Services for questions about flock limits, roosters, enclosures, and other chicken-keeping requirements.

Does Siloam Springs, Arkansas, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, the city allows them under the following conditions: 

Contact the Siloam Springs Planning Department to confirm zoning and property requirements, and Animal Services for questions about flock limits, roosters, enclosures, and other chicken-keeping requirements.

Does Springdale, Arkansas, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Springdale only allows chickens on qualifying agricultural properties.

Residents interested in having backyard chickens permitted on residential properties can contact the Springdale Mayor’s Office to share their interest in changing the city’s current chicken-keeping restrictions.

Does Texarkana, Arkansas, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, but only on qualifying properties. Texarkana allows livestock and poultry as a conditional use in the R 1 Rural Residential District. The city’s other residential districts do not list livestock and poultry as a permitted or conditional use.

Contact the Texarkana Planning Department to confirm your property’s zoning and find out what conditional use approval, flock limits, enclosure requirements, setbacks, or other requirements apply before keeping backyard chickens.

Does Van Buren, Arkansas, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, so long as:

Contact the Van Buren Planning & Development Department to confirm that chickens are allowed on your property and to verify any flock limits, coop requirements, setbacks, or other property requirements that apply.

Does West Memphis, Arkansas, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, but the following standards must be met:

Contact the West Memphis Planning & Development Department with questions about zoning, accessory structure setbacks, or other requirements that apply to your property.

Laws for Keeping Backyard Chickens in Arkansas By County

If you live in an unincorporated area outside a city or other municipality, contact county officials to confirm the requirements for keeping backyard chickens on your property. You can find the appropriate contact below in the right-hand column of this table.

Arkansas CountyCounty Website
Ashley CountyCounty Website
Baxter CountyBuildings & Grounds
Benton CountyCounty Planning
Boone CountyCounty Website
Bradley CountyCounty Website
Calhoun CountyCounty Website
Carroll CountyCounty Website
Chicot CountyCounty Website
Clark CountyCounty Website
Clay CountyCounty Website
Cleburne CountyCounty Website
Cleveland CountyCounty Website
Columbia CountyCounty Website
Conway CountyCounty Website
Craighead CountyCounty Website
Crawford CountyCounty Website
Crittenden CountyCounty Website
Cross CountyCounty Website
Dallas CountyCounty Website
Desha CountyCounty Website
Drew CountyCounty Website
Faulkner CountyCounty Website
Franklin CountyCounty Website
Fulton CountyCounty Website
Garland CountyPlanning & Zoning
Grant CountyCounty Website
Greene CountyCounty Website
Hempstead CountyCounty Website
Hot Spring CountyCounty Website
Howard CountyNo County Website
Independence CountyCounty Website
Izard CountyCounty Website
Jackson CountyCounty Website
Jefferson CountyCounty Website
Johnson CountyCounty Website
Lafayette CountyCounty Website
Lawrence CountyCounty Website
Lee CountyCounty Website
Lincoln CountyCounty Website
Little River CountyCounty Website
Logan CountyCounty Website
Lonoke CountyCounty Website
Madison CountyCounty Website
Marion CountyCounty Website
Miller CountyCounty Website
Mississippi CountyPlanning & Development
Monroe CountyCounty Website
Montgomery CountyCounty Website
Nevada CountyCounty Website
Newton CountyCounty Website
Ouachita CountyCounty Website
Perry CountyPlanning & Development
Phillips CountyCounty Website
Pike CountyCounty Website
Poinsett CountyCounty Website
Polk CountyPlanning & Development
Pope CountyCounty County
Prairie CountyCounty Website
Pulaski CountyPlanning & Development
Randolph CountyCounty Website
St. Francis CountyCounty Website
Saline CountyPlanning
Scott CountyCounty Website
Searcy CountyCounty Website
Sebastian CountyCounty Website
Sevier CountyCounty Website
Sharp CountyCounty Website
Stone CountyCounty Website
Union CountyCounty Website
Van Buren CountyCounty Website
Washington CountyPlanning
White CountyCounty Website
Woodruff CountyCounty Website
Yell CountyCounty Website

Find Arkansas-Compliant Chicken Coops

As you’ve learned, keeping chickens in your backyard isn’t always a simple yes or no. Beyond permission to keep your flock, local rules may require adequate shelter, enough space per bird, a secure enclosure, ventilation, and regular cleaning. Finding a setup that fits those requirements shouldn’t be as difficult as finding the rules themselves.

At The Hen House Collection, our coops include vents and screened windows for airflow, with options such as wire-enclosed runs to keep chickens contained, and epoxy flooring and litter trays to make cleaning easier. Working with a custom coop builder lets you plan around your flock and the local requirements you’ve confirmed, helping you avoid costly changes later. Request a free quote for a custom configuration or browse our available coops to find a setup that works for your chickens and your property.


Hanna's Headshot Circle

Hanna Ingold

Hanna Ingold is an expert with The Hen House Collection, specializing in chicken coop regulations and poultry care. She helps homeowners navigate local state zoning and building law requirements while ensuring their chicken coops are safe, legal, and well-designed. In addition to her expertise, Hanna is highly knowledgeable in chicken care, including flock health, nutrition, and coop design, making her a trusted resource for healthy chicken keeping.

Other Blog Posts...

Chicken Coop Ramps | All You Need To Know

8 Exotic Chickens for your Backyard

Steps to Turning Your Shed into a Chicken Coop

Get A
We know you have a vision in mind for your coop, and we're committed to making it possible.Fill out a quote form and we'll call you to talk through all the details!
Personalized Quote
The Hen House Logo
Privacy Overview

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Visit our privacy policy to learn more.