Maryland is known for its delicious, fresh seafood, so shouldn’t it be known for its delicious, fresh eggs and poultry, too? Many people dream of raising a backyard flock for fresh eggs and healthy, sustainable food practices, but actually finding out if you can keep chickens in your backyard often requires a bit of digging.
This guide is designed to eliminate the need for searching. You’ll find the requirements for backyard chickens in all 23 counties of Maryland and several major cities, so whether you’re on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay or near the Mason-Dixon line, you can determine if chickens are allowed in your backyard and what the requirements are to keep them.
Is It Legal to Have Chickens in Your Backyard in Maryland?
Yes. There is no statewide law that governs backyard chickens, so each county and city sets its own rules. The state still requires flock registration through the Maryland Department of Agriculture. Below, you’ll find each county and several major cities with their specific requirements so you can see if chickens are allowed in your area.
Do You Need A Permit For Chickens in Maryland?
Yes, most areas require a permit. If your area allows backyard flocks, you must also register with the Maryland Department of Agriculture. You can determine if your area requires a permit by referring to the city or county section below.
How Many Chickens Can I Have in Maryland?
While there is no statewide rule for how many chickens you can have, on average, most areas allow about 6 chickens. However, it all depends on where you live, with Baltimore City allowing only 4 and Carroll County allowing up to 18. You can find out how many are allowed in your area later in this article.
Can I Let My Chickens Free-Range in My Backyard?
No, most areas require that your chickens be kept in a coop or other enclosure. They even enforce specific standards for your coop, including cleanliness, attached runs, size, access to food and water, and other features.
If you need help building a coop that aligns with your area’s standards, The Hen House Collection builds custom coops featuring feeders, waterers, attached runs, nesting boxes, and other essential features to help you ensure compliance.
Can I Have A Rooster In My Backyard in Maryland?
No, nearly every area prohibits them. You are typically only permitted to keep roosters if your property is over a specific size or zoned for agricultural or commercial uses. You can find out if your area allows roosters below.
Can I Sell My Chicken Eggs in Maryland?
Yes, but all table eggs sold, even those from small backyard flocks, must meet the state’s guidelines for safety, quality, labeling, and weight. You must also obtain a permit. To ensure compliance with these standards and get your permit, contact the MDA Food Quality Assurance Program at (410) 841-5769.
It’s essential to note that local officials can still establish their own requirements, so they may not permit the sale of eggs from backyard chickens. To determine if this is the case, contact your local official listed below.
Chicken Laws For Cities in Maryland
Cities, towns, and counties set and enforce their own laws, so rules can shift from one area to the next. Below you will find several major cities with the correct contacts for backyard chicken guidance. You can select your city in the left column to jump to its requirements, or scroll to the county section to see what your county allows.
City | Contact | Source |
Does Annapolis, Maryland, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, you can, but only with an approved permit certifying that the following requirements are met:
- Number of Chickens Kept: 5 hens. No roosters.
- Coop Requirements:
- Provides 2 square feet per chicken
- It’s kept clean and free of odors
- Located 5 feet from any property lines
Permits can be filed with the Planning and Zoning Department. They can also answer any questions you may have.
Does Baltimore, Maryland, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, but only in accordance with the following requirements:
- Number of Chickens:
| Lot Size | Number of Chickens |
| <2,000 square feet | 4 |
| >2,000 square feet | 1 per 1,000 sq. ft.; no more than 10 total |
- Coop Requirements:
- No closer than 15 feet from any residence
- Must be kept clean and free of odor
- Each coop must be moved frequently
- Must provide 2 square feet per hen
- Drinkable water and proper food must be available at all times
Backyard chickens may not be kept without a permit from the office of Animal Control or without registering with the Maryland Department of Agriculture, Domestic Poultry and Exotic Bird Registration Division. You can reach out to the Animal Control Department for help with permit requirements.
Does Bel Air, Maryland, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, but only if you are able to keep them 200 feet from any neighboring property. This makes it difficult for most residential lots to qualify. If you have any questions or would like to see this change, contact the Planning Department.
Does Bethesda, Maryland, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Bethesda is an unincorporated city and therefore follows the requirements of Montgomery County, meaning that backyard chickens are allowed. The county permits 1 chicken per square foot as long as your property is at least 2,500 square feet. They must be kept in a chicken coop that is 25 feet from any property line and 100 feet from another home. If you cannot meet these setbacks, then you cannot have chicken coops.
The county advises that you check with Animal Control regarding regulations that pertain to backyard chickens.
Does Bowie, Maryland, Allow Backyard Chickens?
You can have backyard chickens, but only on larger residentially zoned lots such as R-O-S, R-A, and R-E zoning districts. A special permit is required for lots zoned R-80, R-55, and R-R if the lot is 20,000 square feet or less. You can find out more information from the following sources:
- Bowie Animal Control: 301-809-3002
- Prince George’s County Planning Board: 301-952-3208
- Prince George’s County Zoning Enforcement: 301-636-2090
Does Frederick, Maryland, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, with a backyard chicken license and registration with the Maryland Department of Agriculture, Domestic Poultry and Exotic Bird Registration Division, you can have backyard chickens. You must also meet the following requirements:
- Number of Chickens: 1 per every 500 square feet of backyard area. No more than 6 hens. No roosters.
- Coop Requirements:
- Predator-resistant
- Located 10 feet from any lot line
- Provides at least 4 square feet per chicken
- No more than 6 feet in height
- Must be kept clean and free of odor
You can find out more information about requirements or get help with permitting from the Planning Department.
Does Gaithersburg, Maryland, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, you can, but you must follow these regulations:
- Number of Chickens: 6 chickens
- Coop Requirements:
- 30 feet from any nearby residence
- 5 feet from shared property lines
- Kept clean and free of odor
Be sure to confirm compliance with applicable requirements with the Planning Department.
Does Hagerstown, Maryland, Allow Backyard Chickens?
It appears that backyard chickens are not permitted in Hagerstown. If you have any questions about this or would like to see this change, contact the Department of Housing and Community Development at 301-739-8577 ext. 103.
Does North Bethesda, Maryland, Allow Backyard Chickens?
North Bethesda is also an unincorporated city in Montgomery County, meaning that it follows county requirements. The county does allow backyard chickens under the following circumstances:
- Number of Chickens: 1 chicken per square foot
- Minimum Lot Size: 2,500 square feet
- Chicken Coop Setbacks: 25 feet from property lines; 100 feet from another home
If you cannot meet these requirements, you cannot have backyard chickens. For more information, contact the Planning Department.
Does Rockville, Maryland, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, with a permit, you can have up to 5 female chickens. They must be kept in a chicken coop that provides 2 square feet per chicken and is located 5 feet from property lines and 40 feet from residential structures on neighboring properties.
Does Silver Spring, Maryland, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, but the city also follows Montgomery County’s backyard chicken requirements, which you can find below.
Laws for Keeping Backyard Chickens in Maryland By County
Unlike many states throughout the U.S., Maryland often enforces backyard chicken laws at the county level rather than at the municipal level. Below are all 23 counties in Maryland and what their backyard chicken requirements are.
County | Contact | Source |
Does Allegany County, Maryland, Allow Backyard Chickens?
The specific requirements are unclear, but it appears that chickens are only permitted on properties in agricultural zoning districts. For more information, contact the Planning & Zoning Department.
Does Anne Arundel County, Maryland, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, you must meet the following requirements in order to have them:
- Number of Chickens: 8 hens per 20,000 square feet
- License and Registration: Backyard chicken keeping license + registration with the Maryland Department of Agriculture, Domestic Poultry and Exotic Bird Registration Division
- Minimum Lot Size: 10,000 square feet
- Coop Requirements:
- Provides 10 square feet per chicken
- Located 50 feet from any lot line
- Located 100 feet from any occupied dwelling
To certify compliance with these regulations, contact Animal Services.
Does Baltimore County, Maryland, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, but only in accordance with the following requirements:
- Number of Chickens:
- No roosters
- License + Registration: Backyard Chicken License + register with the Maryland Department of Agriculture, Domestic Poultry and Exotic Bird Registration Division
- Coop and Run Requirements:
- Must be fully fenced and located in the rear yard only
- No taller than 8 feet
- Must be 25 feet from neighboring homes
- Located 10 feet from the side and rear property lines
- Coop provides 3 square feet per hen
- Run offers 4 square feet per hen
You must ensure compliance with all applicable regulations by contacting the Planning Department.
Does Calvert County, Maryland, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, you can, but you must meet the following requirements:
- Minimum Lot Size: 1 acre
- Number of Chickens: 8 hens. No roosters.
- Coop Requirements:
- Located in the side or rear yard only
- It is 25 feet from any property lines
To ensure you are following all applicable backyard chicken requirements, including permitting and registration, contact the Planning & Zoning Department.
Does Caroline County, Maryland, Allow Backyard Chickens?
It is unclear. For more information on what is allowed, contact the Planning & Codes Department.
Does Carroll County, Maryland, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Backyard chickens are permitted in Carroll County under the following conditions:
- Number of Chickens:
| Lot Size | Number of Chickens |
| < 1 acre | 6 hens. No roosters. |
| 1-2 acres | 12 hens. No roosters. |
| 2-3 acres | 18 hens. No roosters. |
- Coop Requirements:
- 75 feet from any property line
Additional requirements may apply, so please check with the Planning & Zoning Department to ensure compliance with all applicable backyard chicken laws.
Does Cecil County, Maryland, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, Cecil County updated its code in 2022 to allow backyard chickens on properties of 20,000 square feet or more, which is less than the previous requirement of 1 acre. Other new provisions include:
- Number of Chickens: 6 hens. No roosters.
- License + Registration: Must obtain a license + must register with the Maryland Department of Agriculture, Domestic Poultry and Exotic Bird Registration Division
You will also have to meet specific requirements regarding proper enclosures that meet your zoning district’s setbacks. For more information on what applies in your area, contact the Planning & Zoning Department.
Does Charles County, Maryland, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, provided that you meet the following conditions:
- Number of Chickens:
There are likely other requirements in place for enclosures, permits, or licenses. For more information, please contact the Planning & Growth Management Department.
Does Dorchester County, Maryland, Allow Backyard Chickens?
It is unclear what they allow. For more information on backyard chicken laws in Dorchester County, contact the Planning Department.
Does Frederick County, Maryland, Allow Backyard Chickens?
They may allow backyard chickens. In 2024, the county reviewed regulations to consider allowing eight backyard chickens; however, their decision on this matter remains unclear. To determine if backyard chickens are now permitted, contact the Planning & Permitting Department.
Does Garrett County, Maryland, Allow Backyard Chickens?
It appears that Garrett County does not allow backyard chickens on typical residential lots. The county treats poultry as an agricultural use, and any coop must meet a setback equal to three times the standard 200-square-foot requirement. This creates a distance that most residential properties cannot meet.
If you have any questions about current county requirements, contact the Planning & Land Management Department.
Does Harford County, Maryland, Allow Backyard Chickens?
The county was considering updating its backyard chicken laws in 2024, but it is unclear if those laws took effect as of 2025. Under their updated requirements, backyard chickens would be allowed so long as the following criteria are met:
- Minimum Lot Size: 1 acre
- Coop Requirements:
- 50-foot setback from property lines
- Number of Chickens: 10
To confirm if these laws are in effect, contact the Planning & Zoning Department.
Does Howard County, Maryland, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, but only if they are kept in compliance with the following criteria:
- Minimum Lot Size: 10,000 square feet
- Number of Chickens: 8 hens. No roosters.
- Coop Requirements:
- 15 feet from all lot lines
- 50 feet from neighboring dwellings
To ensure you meet all requirements, including permitting and licenses, contact the Planning & Zoning Department.
Does Kent County, Maryland, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, but it must be done in accordance with these standards:
- Number of Chickens:
- Coop Requirements:
- Must be 15 feet from any property line
- May only be located in the rear yard
To ensure compliance with all applicable standards, including permit and registration requirements, contact the Planning, Housing, & Zoning Department.
Does Montgomery County, Maryland, Allow Backyard Chickens?
You can have backyard chickens in Montgomery County, provided that the following requirements are met:
- Number of Chickens: 1 chicken per square foot
- Minimum Lot Size: 2,500 square feet
- Chicken Coop Setbacks: 25 feet from property lines; 100 feet from another home
You can find more information about applicable requirements, licenses, and registration from the Animal Control Department.
Does Prince George’s County, Maryland, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, you can, but there doesn’t appear to be a specific set of requirements, only that they are not permitted to run at large and must be kept in clean and sanitary conditions. Please contact the Animal Control Department for a better understanding of their requirements for backyard chickens.
Does Queen Anne’s County, Maryland, Allow Backyard Chickens?
It is unclear if they are permitted in Queen Anne’s County. You can find out what the current backyard chicken laws are by contacting the Planning & Zoning Department.
Does Somerset County, Maryland, Allow Backyard Chickens?
They may be permitted, but there are not currently clear guidelines for keeping them. For more information, contact the Planning & Zoning Department.
Does St. Mary’s County, Maryland, Allow Backyard Chickens?
The county currently has no clear regulations regarding the keeping of backyard chickens. For more details on what they allow, contact the Planning Department.
Does Talbot County, Maryland, Allow Backyard Chickens?
It is unclear what they allow. For more information, contact the Planning & Zoning Department.
Does Washington County, Maryland, Allow Backyard Chickens?
There are currently no rules in place, but proposed amendments to the code have been introduced to allow them. To find out the status of backyard chicken laws in Washington County, Maryland, contact the Planning & Zoning Department.
Does Wicomico County, Maryland, Allow Backyard Chickens?
It appears that they may be allowed, but that specific regulations have yet to be developed. For more information on the current backyard chicken laws, contact the Planning & Zoning Department.
Does Worcester County, Maryland, Allow Backyard Chickens?
It appears that the county allows them, but specific details are unclear. For more information, contact Development Review & Permitting.
Next Steps For Your Backyard Chicken Flock in Maryland
Now that you have a better understanding of your area’s requirements, you’re one step closer to owning that backyard flock you’ve been hoping for. There are just a few steps you need to take to get started:
- File Any Required Permit Applications and Complete Your Maryland Flock Registration
- Build a Chicken Coop That Complies With Your Area’s Requirements
- Once Approved, Bring Home Your Hens and Start Enjoying Fresh Eggs
If you need help building a coop that complies, The Hen House Collection can help! They specialize in crafting custom chicken coops that meet local size, setback, cleanliness, predator-proofing, and other standards. You can also select from a range of features that make cleaning, feeding, watering, and egg collection simpler. Make backyard chicken keeping a breeze with a custom coop built for your needs.
