Backyard chickens are an exciting prospect—a way to enjoy farm-fresh eggs right at home and cut back on rising grocery costs. But getting started can be the hardest part. You have to navigate complex legal requirements like setbacks, permits, zoning rules, and more. It’s enough to take the fun out of your new venture.
We don’t want that to happen. That’s why we created this comprehensive guide, breaking down the legal requirements in cities and counties across Georgia. Keep reading to find out if you can raise chickens in your backyard and take the next step toward producing your own eggs.
Is It Legal to Have Chickens in Your Backyard in Georgia?
While many areas in Georgia permit backyard chickens, there are also many that do not. Because there is no statewide legislation, it’s hard to say definitively whether they are allowed. However, in this article, we outline which cities and counties permit backyard chickens, so you can find out if it’s legal in your area.
Do You Need A Permit To Have Chickens in Georgia?
Yes, you will typically need some type of permit to keep chickens in your backyard in Georgia. This may range from a building permit for your coop to a special permit for backyard chicken keeping. It’s always best to contact your local officials to make sure you have all the necessary permits in place.
How Many Chickens Can You Have in Georgia?
It largely depends on where you live, and the number can range anywhere from 3 to 25 chickens. Because of this, it’s hard to give an exact number, so it’s best to check with your local officials to find out what’s allowed.
Can I Let Chickens Free-Range in My Backyard?
No, most areas in Georgia expressly prohibit chickens from roaming at large and becoming a nuisance and strictly outline requirements for keeping them in a coop or other approved enclosure. If your area requires a coop, The Hen House Collection offers custom-chicken coops that can be tailored to your local requirements.
What Cities in Georgia Allow Chickens?
Below are several cities in Georgia that allow backyard chickens, along with their specific requirements and a chart listing the appropriate local official to contact with questions or for compliance confirmation. Many of these cities operate under a consolidated government with their county, so if you live in an unincorporated area of one of those counties, you may still find the information you need here.
However, if that’s not the case, you can skip this list to see what your county allows.
Does Athens, Georgia Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, the consolidated government of Athens & Clarke County permits backyard chickens so long as you adhere to the following:
- Number of Chickens: 6
- No Roosters
- Chickens must be kept in a covered enclosure
- Located in th rear yard
If you have any questions about coop size, setbacks, or other requirements, reach out to the Code Enforcement Division to certify compliance. These regulations are subject to change, so always be sure to check with code enforcement officials before keeping chickens on your property.
Does Atlanta, Georgia Allow Backyard Chickens?
Despite what you may think, you can keep chickens in your backyard in Atlanta. They are allowed in city limits, so long as they meet the following requirements:
- Must be kept in a coop or enclosure
- Setback: 75 feet or more from nearest neighbor’s residence or place of business
- Spacer Per Bird: 2 square feet
- Must have run or other fenced in enclosure
- Setback: 50 feet from any residence, 5 feet from owner’s residence
- Maximum Number of Chickens: 25
Rules can change or vary by zoning district, always certify compliance with the City Planning Department.
Does Augusta, Georgia Allow Backyard Chickens?
It is unclear if they are permitted in Augusta, as the only information available states they are not allowed to run at large. Specific rules may vary by zoning district, so reach out to the Planning and Zoning Department to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.
Does Columbus, Georgia Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, you can have no more than 32 chickens per 1 acre. Up to 6 chickens are permitted on lots of any size. Specific requirements are likely in place regarding enclosures, placement, and setbacks. To certify compliance with all applicable regulations, contact the Inspections & Code Department.
Does Macon, Georgia Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, you can keep up to 6 hens in Macon, Georgia, provided you follow these requirements:
- No roosters allowed
- Hens must be kept in a coop or other fenced-in enclosure
- Coop requirements:
- Must be properly ventilated
- Must provide predator protection
- Must be set back at least 15 feet from side and rear property lines
- Must be properly ventilated
For questions or to confirm the most up-to-date regulations, contact the Code Enforcement Department to ensure you remain in compliance.
Does Sandy Springs, Georgia Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, backyard chickens are permitted. However, they must not become a nuisance to your neighbors. The city code outlines the following standards for keeping chickens to prevent them from becoming a nuisance:
- Distance From Neighboring Building: 25 feet
- Minimum Coop Floor Area: 4 feet per chicken
- Maximum Number Allowed: 75
If you want to make sure you’ll be able to keep your flock of chickens in your backyard in Sandy Springs, contact the Community Development Department.
Does Savannah, Georgia Allow Backyard Chickens?
It appears that Savannah may allow chickens for personal use, provided there is no more than one chicken per 1,000 square feet of property, with a maximum of 30. Building and zoning codes outline requirements for coops and setbacks. However, the relevant code has recently been removed, suggesting it may be under revision. Contact the Planning & Development Department or Code Compliance to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Does South Fulton, Georgia Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, but they are only permitted under the following conditions:
- Minimum Distance From Neighboring Dwelling: 100 feet
- Minimum Floor Area in Enclosure: 4 square feet
- Maximum Number of Chickens: 75
Exact number of chickens and coop setback requirements likely vary by zoning district. Contact Code Enforcement to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.
Does Rome, Georgia Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, Rome & Floyd County have a joint Planning & Zoning Department, which permits backyard chickens so long as:
- Minimum Property Size: 30,000 square feet
- Number of Hens: 4
- They are kept in a coop or hen house
- Located in side or rear yard only
- Setbacks: 30 feet from property lines
Contact the Planning & Zoning Department to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.
Does Roswell, Georgia Allow Backyard Chickens?
You can keep hens, but not roosters, on residential properties, so long as you meet the following requirements:
- Maximum Number of Hens Allowed:
| Property Size | Number of Hens |
| <0.33 acres | Not allowed |
| 0.34 to 1 acre | 6 |
| 1.01 acres or more | 12 per acre, no more than 36 max. |
You likely need to keep them in some sort of coop or enclosure that meets certain setback requirements. To verify this, contact Code Enforcement.
What Counties in Georgia Allow Backyard Chickens?
Below is a list of all 159 counties in Georgia and their known requirements for keeping backyard chickens. Only a handful of counties explicitly permit them. Many either lack clear regulations or have highly restrictive rules, so in those cases, no specific information is available.
To help you get accurate guidance, we’ve included a table with contact information for each county’s relevant department. You can use it to confirm local rules or advocate for clearer backyard chicken legislation.
Please note: some counties share joint governments with the cities listed above, and in those cases, their requirements are not included here.
Does Barrow County Allow Backyard Chickens?
No, they are not permitted on properties less than 5 acres, making it difficult for most people interested in having them in their backyard to meet the requirements. There is a petition from local residents advocating to make the laws more friendly, so be sure to reach out to the Planning & Development Department to voice your opinion for change.
Does Bartow County Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, the county allows up to 8 hens and no roosters on a single-family residential property that has between 1 to 2 acres.
Does Brantley County Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes they are permitted in the R-1, R-22, DR-22-M, M-R zones, so long as you meet the following requirements:
- Maximum Number of Chickens: 4 chickens
- Must be in a Coop or Other Enclosure
- Setbacks: 25 feet from the property line
Other requirements may apply. Always contact the Planning & Building Department to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.
Does Bryan County Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in the RR-1 and RR-1.5 zoning districts, provided that:
- They are kept in a coop or other enclosure
- Setbacks: 50 Feet
- Minimum Property Size: 1 acre
- Maximum Number of Chickens: 20, but only on properties with 1-2 ½ acres.
There is currently a petition going around to allow residents of Bryan County to keep chickens on properties with less than 1 acre. To show your support for this movement, contact the Planning & Development Department.
Does Butts County Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, but they must be kept in a proper enclosure at least 100 feet from any neighboring building not owned by the hen owner. The exact number permitted is unclear.
Does Camden County Allow Backyard Chickens?
Chickens are permitted in R-1 and R-2 zoning districts, provided that:
- No Roosters
- Maximum Number of Hens: 5
- Must be kept in an enclosure
- Setbacks: 10 feet from property line
- Must not be located on a property with duplexes, townhouses, or apartments
If you have any questions or want to ensure your backyard chicken plans comply with local code, contact the Planning & Development Department.
Does Candler County Allow Backyard Chickens?
Candler allows up to 8 hens on a residential lot and no roosters. If you need clarification on additional requirements, please contact the Zoning & Ordinances Department.
Does Catoosa County Allow Backyard Chickens?
You can keep chickens for personal use only on a residential property in Catoosa County, Georgia, so long as you meet the following requirements:
- Number of Chickens:
- Must be in an enclosed coop that is:
- 25 feet from any property line
- 50 feet from any neighboring house or property
Additional requirements may apply, so contact the Planning & Zoning Department to ensure compliance.
Does Cherokee County Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, they do, as long as you adhere to the following:
- Maximum Number of Hens: 8
- No Roosters
- Minimum Lot Size: 20,000 square feet
- Must be kept in an enclosure that:
- It is located in the backyard only
- It is 25 feet from any property lines
- It is 50 feet from residential structures on nearby properties
To get approval on your backyard chicken plans, contact the Planning & Zoning Department.
Does Clarke County Allow Backyard Chickens?
You can keep up to six chickens, but no roosters are allowed. They must be kept in a fenced-in structure located in the rear yard. If you would like to learn more about backyard chicken-keeping requirements, you can contact the Code Enforcement Division.
Does Clayton County Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, you can keep backyard chickens, up to 12, provided that you meet the following requirements:
- Number of Chickens: 4 per 18,000 square feet of property
- Must be kept in a hen house or coop that is:
- Located in the rear or side yard only
- Setback: 20 feet from all property lines
Reach out to the Planning & Zoning Division to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.
Does Cobb County Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, you can have backyard chickens in Cobb County. However, there are certain requirements at this point:
- Lot Size: 2 acres or less
- Number of Chickens: 1 per 5,000 square feet of lot area
- Must be kept in an enclosed coop
- Setbacks: 25 feet from any property line
To ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, contact the Zoning Division.
Does Crisp County Allow Backyard Chickens?
Backyard chickens are permitted in Crisp County for personal use only. The following requirements are outlined for keeping them:
- Maximum Number of Chickens: 4 hens per acre of property + 1 rooster total
- Must be kept in an enclosure that:
- Complies with your zoning district’s setbacks
- Not located within 50 feet of any residence on an adjoining property
The Planning, Zoning, and Codes Department can review your plans to ensure they meet all applicable requirements. Be sure to contact them before adding chickens to your backyard.
Does Dawson County Allow Backyard Chickens?
They are permitted in residential districts so long as they are kept in proper enclosures and meet the setback requirements of your zoning district. It is unclear how many you are permitted to keep. Contact the Community Development Department to learn more about their requirements.
Does DeKalb County Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, provided that you meet the following requirements:
- Number of Chickens: 1 per 2,000 square feet of property
- Minimum Lot Size: 10,000 square feet
- Minimum Number of Chickens Allowed: 5
- No Roosters
- Must be kept in an enclosed yard or pen that meets setback requirements for accessory structures in your zoning district
For more information on setback requirements, contact Code Compliance.
Does Douglas County Allow Backyard Chickens?
It appears that chickens may be allowed if they are kept in a proper enclosure that complies with setbacks and other requirements outlined by the applicable zoning district. The exact number permitted and any additional requirements are unclear. Contact Planning & Development Services for clarification on what is allowed.
Does Effingham County Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, chickens are permitted in residential districts provided only four hens and one rooster are kept. They must be kept in a chicken coop at least 150 feet from any nearby residential dwelling. Setbacks are based on your zoning district, so contact Development Services to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.
Does Fayette County Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, you can have backyard chickens on your residential property in Fayette County, Georgia, so long as you meet the following requirements:
- Number of Chickens:
- 6 chickens on properties of 1 acre
- 3 chickens per additional acre after 1
- A maximum of 12 chickens permitted
- No roosters
- Must be kept in a coop that is:
- Located in the side or rear yard of your property only
- Setbacks: 50 feet from any property line
Always contact the Planning & Zoning Department to verify your plans and to get the most accurate, up-to-date information on current backyard chicken laws in the county.
Does Forsyth County Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, some zoning districts permit up to 8 chickens on lots of at least a ½ acre or more, so long as they are kept in a coop or hen house located 20 feet from any side or rear property lines and 50 feet from residential structures on neighboring properties. Contact Community & Animal Safety to see if these rules apply to your zoning district.
Does Gordon County Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, provided that the following requirements are met:
- Number of Chickens: No more than 24 on properties with 2-5 acres
- Must be kept in an enclosure or coop that meets the following setbacks:
- 30 feet from property lines
- 50 feet from neighboring residential properties
Additional requirements may apply; contact the Planning & Development Department to ensure compliance.
Does Gwinnett County Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, you can keep backyard chickens, but the number allowed depends on your lot size. All chickens must be kept in an enclosure set back at least 20 feet from any property line and 50 feet from any residence.
The maximum number of chickens permitted by lot size is as follows:
- 10,500–12,499 sq ft: Up to 3 chickens
- 12,500–24,999 sq ft: Up to 5 chickens
- 25,000–39,999 sq ft: Up to 8 chickens
- 40,000 sq ft–2.99 acres: Up to 10 chickens
- 3 acres or more: No maximum
Before building an enclosure or purchasing chickens, verify your lot size and ensure your setup meets all setback and zoning requirements by contacting the Planning & Development Department.
Does Hall County Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, as long as they are adequately contained. Additional requirements are unclear, so contact the Planning & Zoning Division to clarify what is allowed.
Does Haralson County Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, you can keep chickens in your backyard, so long as they do not become a nuisance to your neighbors. The specifics for keeping them, such as the number of chickens, the coop size, and setbacks, are unclear. Contact the Planning & Zoning Department for more information.
Does Harris County Allow Backyard Chickens?
Backyard chickens are allowed in R-1 Zoning Districts if:
- Property Size: 2 acres or more
- Number of Chickens:
- 4 hens
- No roosters
- All hens must be kept in a coop
- Setbacks: 30 feet from property lines
To get the most accurate and update information and verify your backyard chicken plans, contact the Community Development Department.
Does Henry County Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, 4 backyard chickens are permitted, but they may only be located on properties with 3 acres of land or less. To learn more about coop requirements or any applicable setbacks, contact the Planning & Zoning Department.
Does Jefferson County Allow Backyard Chickens?
You are permitted to keep chickens for personal use on residential property, as long as they are properly contained and you keep only hens and roosters. The exact number allowed is not specified. Contact Code Enforcement for clarification on what is allowed.
Does Lincoln County Allow Backyard Chickens?
They are permitted in R-1, R-2, and R-3 zoning districts, with a maximum of one hen per one-third acre of property. For more details, contact the Community Development Department.
Does Long County Allow Backyard Chickens?
You can keep them, but only if they are housed in a coop or other enclosure located at least 300 feet from any neighboring residence. No other details are provided, so reach out to the Planning & Zoning Department for a clearer picture of their zoning laws.
Does Lowndes County Allow Backyard Chickens?
Lowndes County allows up to 6 female chickens as long as they are kept in an enclosed chicken coop 15 feet from any nearby property lines. Additional requirements are not clearly outlined. Contact Code Enforcement for more information.
Does Marion County Allow Backyard Chickens?
You can have backyard chickens in Marion County provided that they don’t become a nuisance and are kept in a proper enclosure that’s 25 feet from any property lines. For more specific information, like the maximum number of chickens, reach out to the Building & Zoning Department.
Does McIntosh County Allow Backyard Chickens?
They are allowed, but under a strict set of requirements. The county only permits them on properties of 3 acres or more and requires a setback of 50 feet from any property lines being used for residential purposes. This creates a significant barrier for most people interested in keeping chickens in their backyard. If you’d like to see these rule changes, contact the Building & Zoning Office.
Does Mitchell County Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, you can have up 12 chickens so long as they are in the proper enclosure. Additional requirements aren’t specified. Contact the Building & Zoning Department to learn more about keeping chickens in your backyard.
Does Newton County Allow Backyard Chickens?
Newton County does allow backyard chickens, but the exact requirements are based on your zoning district. Contact Development Services to find out what requirements apply to your district.
Does Oconee County Allow Backyard Chickens?
Backyard chickens are allowed in Oconee County, so long as the following requirements are met:
- Number of Chickens: 5 per acre
- Chickens are kept in a coop or other enclosure that is:
- Located in the side or rear yard only
- Placed in accordance with the setback requirements in your zoning district
To confirm requirements specific to your zoning district, contact the Planning & Code Enforcement Department.
Does Paulding County Allow Backyard Chickens?
You can keep up to five chickens on your property. Roosters are allowed, but only if you meet specific distance requirements. All chickens must be housed in a coop or other secure enclosure that complies with zoning setbacks.
Setback Requirements:
- For roosters:
- 200 feet from side and rear property lines
- 300 feet from the front property line
- 200 feet from side and rear property lines
- For all enclosures (coop or fenced structure):
- 100 feet from the front property line
- 45 feet from the side and rear property lines
- 100 feet from the front property line
Make sure your setup complies with all applicable local codes. For confirmation or clarification, contact the Community Development Department.
Does Polk County Allow Backyard Chickens?
In the rural residential zoning district, you are allowed to keep backyard chickens under the following conditions:
- Hens: Up to 7 hens per acre are permitted.
- Roosters: Not allowed unless you have at least 3 acres of land.
- Setbacks: The coop or enclosure must be at least 75 feet from any property line.
These requirements are specific to the rural residential zoning district. If your property falls under a different zoning classification, additional or different regulations may apply. Always confirm with the local Planning or Zoning Department to ensure full compliance.
Does Rockdale County Allow Backyard Chickens?
In the R-1 zoning district, chickens are allowed only if your property is at least 3 acres, which can be a limiting factor for many residents interested in keeping backyard chickens.
These restrictions do not apply to other zoning districts. To learn more about the requirements for keeping chickens in other parts of the county, contact the Planning & Development Department.
Does Seminole County Allow Backyard Chickens?
You can keep chickens on residentially zoned properties as long as they are properly contained. For example, in a coop or hen house. Additional requirements are unclear, contact the Planning & Development Department for more information.
Does Spalding County Allow Backyard Chickens?
Spalding County allows backyard chickens in single-family residential zoning districts, provided that:
- Number of Chickens:
- No more than 4 hens on a lot of at least one acre
- No roosters
- Must be kept in a fenced in area that is:
- Located in the rear yard
- 20 feet from the property line
Additional requirements may be in place. Be sure to certify compliance with the Community Development Department.
Does Stephens County Allow Backyard Chickens?
Backyard chickens are permitted in both residential single-family and multi-family zoning districts, provided that:
- No roosters are kept
- No more than 10 hens on properties of less than 3 acres
- Coops are required
- Coop is placed in accordance with setback requirements in your zoning district
For full compliance, contact the Planning & Zoning Commission.
Does Sumter County Allow Backyard Chickens?
You can keep chickens in the rural residential zoning district, as long as they are properly contained in a structure such as a coop. Since specifics are unclear, it’s recommended that you reach out to Code Enforcement to ensure compliance.
Does Troup County Allow Backyard Chickens?
Backyard chickens are permitted for personal use if they are kept in an enclosure no larger than 150 square feet and placed at least 50 feet from any property line. The number of chickens allowed and other specific requirements are unclear. Reach out to the Planning and Zoning Department to learn more.
Does Walker County Allow Backyard Chickens?
You cannot keep chickens on properties zoned R-1. However, if your property is in an R-2 or R-3 zoning district, you may keep up to 12 chickens per acre. To learn more about enclosures, setbacks, and other requirements, contact the Planning & Zoning Department.
Does Whitfield County Allow Backyard Chickens?
Chickens are permitted for personal use in the Suburban Agricultural zoning district, but no additional requirements are specified. They may not be allowed in other zoning districts. For clarification on what is permitted, contact the Planning & Zoning Department.
How Many Acres Do You Have to Have for Chickens?
This varies depending on your location, but the size of your property often determines how many chickens you can keep. For instance, properties under 1 acre typically allow 3 to 6 hens, though some areas prohibit chickens altogether on lots that small. On the other hand, properties with 3 or more acres usually permit 12 or more, but there are still places where chickens aren’t allowed regardless of lot size.
What Chicken Breeds Do Well in Warm Weather?
Chickens with less feathering, large combs, earlobes, and wattles tend to handle hot weather better. This includes breeds such as Anconas, Andalusians, Catalanas, Leghorns, and Minorcas. Whichever breed you choose, be sure to research whether they will thrive in a humid climate, and make sure their coop provides shade, proper ventilation, and constant access to fresh water like the ones from The Hen House Collection.
Need An Enclosure For Your Backyard Chickens in Georgia?
If you’re searching for an enclosure that meets the requirements outlined by your officials in this article and that also features ventilation, watering dishes, and an attached run to help them thrive in Georgia’s humid climate, you’re in the right place. At the Hen House Collection, we offer a range of sizes, predator-proof features, ventilation options, and more to meet coop size and setback requirements while providing your flock with the comfort and care they need.
Ready to get started? Contact us or request a free quote today!
