Can I keep chickens in Hoover, AL?
No — Hoover does not allow backyard chickens in residential zones. (Zoning Ordinance Art. 5 (A-1 Agriculture District, Table 5-1) and Supplemental Regulations, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | No |
|---|---|
| Coop rules | Chickens fall under 'Raising and keeping of Livestock,' a permitted use only in the A-1 Agriculture District. In residential zones a minimum 5-acre lot is required to house any livestock not otherwise permitted there, with 50/75/100-ft setbacks. |
| Code section | Zoning Ordinance Art. 5 (A-1 Agriculture District, Table 5-1) and Supplemental Regulations |
Hoover's zoning ordinance never names chickens or poultry; they fall under 'Raising and keeping of Livestock,' permitted only in the A-1 Agriculture District. In residential zones, keeping any such livestock requires a minimum 5-acre lot with 50/75/100-ft setbacks. Standard residential lots cannot keep chickens, so they are effectively prohibited.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Hoover?
No — chickens are not allowed in Hoover (Zoning Ordinance Art. 5 (A-1 Agriculture District, Table 5-1) and Supplemental Regulations).
What law covers backyard chickens in Hoover?
Zoning Ordinance Art. 5 (A-1 Agriculture District, Table 5-1) and Supplemental Regulations. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Zoning Ordinance Art. 5 (A-1 Agriculture District, Table 5-1) and Supplemental Regulations — read the official code
“A minimum lot area of five acres is required in order to house or raise any livestock or animals other than those permitted in the residential zones of the City.” source
“All structures, cages, pens and other facilities used for the feeding or housing of any livestock or animals, which are not permitted within the residential zones of the City, must be set back a minimum of 50 feet from the side and rear property lines, 75 feet from the front property line and 100 feet from any residential dwelling.” 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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