Can I keep chickens in Auburn, AL?
Yes, with conditions — Auburn allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 6 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Zoning Ordinance Sec. 501.03 (Limitations on Animals), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($40) |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 10,000 sq ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Single-family lots of at least 10,000 sq ft; 4 hens on 10,000-19,999 sq ft, 6 hens on 20,000+ sq ft; rear yard only; enclosure min 6 sq ft per chicken, at least 10 ft from property lines and 30 ft from neighboring dwellings/church/school/business. Site-plan review and $40 permit fee. Roosters and slaughter prohibited. |
| Code section | Zoning Ordinance Sec. 501.03 (Limitations on Animals) |
Auburn permits backyard hens on single-family lots of at least 10,000 square feet: 4 hens on lots 10,000-19,999 sq ft, 6 hens on lots 20,000 sq ft or larger, in a rear-yard coop at least 10 ft from property lines and 30 ft from neighboring dwellings. Roosters and on-site slaughter are prohibited. A site-plan review and $40 permit fee are required.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Auburn?
Yes, with conditions — Auburn allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Zoning Ordinance Sec. 501.03 (Limitations on Animals)).
How many chickens can I keep in Auburn?
Up to 6 hens. Tiered by lot size: 4 up to 19,999 sq ft. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Auburn?
Yes — Auburn requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $40).
Are roosters allowed in Auburn?
No — roosters are prohibited in Auburn.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Auburn?
10 feet minimum. Single-family lots of at least 10,000 sq ft; 4 hens on 10,000-19,999 sq ft, 6 hens on 20,000+ sq ft; rear yard only; enclosure min 6 sq ft per chicken, at least 10 ft from property lines and 30 ft from neighboring dwellings/church/school/business. Site-plan review and $40 permit fee. Roosters and slaughter prohibited.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Auburn?
Yes — 10,000 sq ft.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Auburn?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Auburn's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Auburn?
Zoning Ordinance Sec. 501.03 (Limitations on Animals). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Zoning Ordinance Sec. 501.03 (Limitations on Animals) — read the official code
“the number of chickens does not exceed: a. four (4) on lots 10,000 square feet to 19,999 square feet b. six (6) on lots 20,000 square feet or greater” source
“Applicants must pay a $40 permit fee and will need to bring a drawing of their parcel showing the relative location of the residence and chicken enclosure.” source
“Roosters and the slaughtering of chickens are strictly prohibited inside of the stock district.” source
“the covered enclosure or fenced area is a minimum of 10 feet to any property line of an adjacent property and 30 feet from neighboring dwellings, church, school, or place of business” source
Last verified June 14, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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