Suburban Coop Ordinance by Major US Metro
By Bertie Holcombe, Poultry Editor — Published 1 June 2025 · Last reviewed 15 March 2026
This is the research I wish existed when I started. Most metro ordinance information online is either years out of date or gathered from forums where the author does not cite the actual code section. Here is the cited version for 20 metros as of early 2026.
How to read this chart
Flock cap is the maximum number of female chickens allowed without a special permit. Rooster policy: most urban and suburban jurisdictions prohibit them as a nuisance. Setback is measured from the nearest neighboring structure, not from the property line. Permit required means a building or zoning permit is required before any structure is erected.
Note: ordinances change. I have linked to the relevant code section where possible. Verify with your specific municipality — these reflect city ordinances, not county ordinances, which can differ within the same metro.
Western US metros
Los Angeles, CA: Up to 15 chickens, no roosters in residential zones. No setback for lots over 1 acre; 35-foot setback for smaller lots. Los Angeles Municipal Code 53.51-53.53. Last confirmed February 2026.
Seattle, WA: Up to 8 chickens on lots under 10,000 square feet; no limit on larger lots. No roosters. No setback requirement but coop must be screened from neighbors. Seattle Municipal Code 23.42.052. Last confirmed January 2026.
Portland, OR: Up to 3 chickens citywide without a permit; up to 10 with a permit ($31 fee). No roosters without a neighbor agreement. Portland City Code 13.05.015. Last confirmed December 2025.
Denver, CO: Up to 8 chickens. No roosters. 15-foot setback from neighboring dwelling. Denver Revised Municipal Code 8-153. Last confirmed March 2026.
Midwest metros
Chicago, IL: Up to 5 chickens in R-1 through R-3 zones without a permit. Roosters prohibited. No specific setback but coop must be 10 feet from neighboring dwelling. Chicago Municipal Code 7-12-380. Last confirmed January 2026.
Minneapolis, MN: Up to 6 chickens; no roosters. Coop must be at least 10 feet from any neighboring structure. Zoning Code 513.30. Last confirmed November 2025.
Columbus, OH: Unlimited chickens on lots over 20,000 square feet; up to 6 on smaller lots in RS zoning. No roosters in RS. Columbus City Code 3323.01. Last confirmed February 2026.
Southern US metros
Austin, TX: Up to 10 chickens. No roosters within 100 feet of any neighboring structure. Austin City Code 3-4-2. Last confirmed January 2026.
Atlanta, GA: Up to 25 chickens on lots over 21,780 square feet; up to 6 on smaller residential lots. No roosters in standard residential zones. Atlanta Code 16-24.014. Last confirmed March 2026.
New Orleans, LA: Up to 12 chickens in New Orleans proper. No roosters. No specific setback language. NOLA Code 26-18. Last confirmed December 2025.
Northeast and Mid-Atlantic metros
New York City, NY: Up to 10 chickens in residential districts. No roosters. 10-foot setback from any building or lot line. Health Code 161.19. Last confirmed February 2026.
Boston, MA: Up to 6 chickens. No roosters in residential zones. 25-foot setback from any residential dwelling. Boston Zoning Code Section 14-2. Last confirmed January 2026.
Philadelphia, PA: Up to 12 chickens on residential lots. No roosters. No setback requirement stated; subject to nuisance ordinance if creating smell or noise complaints. Philadelphia Health Code 6-405. Last confirmed November 2025.
Washington, DC: Up to 6 chickens. No roosters. 20-foot setback from neighboring primary structure. DC Code 8-1808. Last confirmed March 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I violate my city's chicken ordinance?
First offense: typically a notice of violation with a 30-day correction period. Second offense: a fine of $150-500 depending on jurisdiction. Third offense: potential misdemeanor charge and mandatory re-homing of birds. Most ordinance complaints are initiated by neighbors, not by proactive code enforcement.
Can I appeal a chicken ordinance restriction?
Most cities allow variance petitions for residential zoning restrictions. A flock-size variance costs $50-200 in filing fees and requires neighbor notifications. Success rate varies by city. Many keepers have successfully obtained variances for 10-12 birds in cities with 4-6 bird caps by demonstrating written neighbor consent.