Can I keep chickens in Opelika, AL?
Yes, with conditions — Opelika allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 10 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Code of Ordinances Sec. 4-73 (Keeping of Chickens), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 10 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 10,000 sq ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Single-family lots min 10,000 sq ft; 4 hens (10,000-19,999), 6 hens (20,000-29,999), 10 hens (30,000+); min 6 sq ft per chicken; backyard only; covered enclosure at least 10 ft from property lines and 50 ft from neighboring dwellings/church/school/business. Director's permit and approved site plan required. Roosters, slaughter and breeding prohibited. |
| Code section | Code of Ordinances Sec. 4-73 (Keeping of Chickens) |
Opelika allows backyard hens on single-family lots of at least 10,000 sq ft, with the count tied to lot size: 4 hens at 10,000-19,999 sq ft, 6 at 20,000-29,999 sq ft, 10 at 30,000+ sq ft. Roosters, slaughter and breeding are prohibited, and a permit plus an approved site plan are required. Coops must be at least 10 ft from property lines and 50 ft from neighboring dwellings.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Opelika?
Yes, with conditions — Opelika allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Code of Ordinances Sec. 4-73 (Keeping of Chickens)).
How many chickens can I keep in Opelika?
Up to 10 hens. Tiered by lot size: 4 up to 19,999 sq ft; 6 up to 29,999 sq ft. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Opelika?
Yes — Opelika requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Opelika?
No — roosters are prohibited in Opelika.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Opelika?
10 feet minimum. Single-family lots min 10,000 sq ft; 4 hens (10,000-19,999), 6 hens (20,000-29,999), 10 hens (30,000+); min 6 sq ft per chicken; backyard only; covered enclosure at least 10 ft from property lines and 50 ft from neighboring dwellings/church/school/business. Director's permit and approved site plan required. Roosters, slaughter and breeding prohibited.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Opelika?
Yes — 10,000 sq ft.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Opelika?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Opelika's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Opelika?
Code of Ordinances Sec. 4-73 (Keeping of Chickens). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Code of Ordinances Sec. 4-73 (Keeping of Chickens) — read the official code
“The number of chickens does not exceed: (1) Four (4) on lots ten thousand (10,000) square feet to nineteen thousand nine hundred ninety-nine (19,999) square feet. (2) Six (6) on lots twenty thousand (20,000) square feet to twenty-nine thousand nine hundred ninety-nine (29,999) square feet. (3) Ten (10) on lots thirty thousand (30,000) square feet or greater.” source
“The keeping or harboring of male chickens or roosters is prohibited.” source
“The covered enclosure or fenced area is a minimum of ten (10) feet to any property line of an adjacent property and fifty (50) feet from the neighboring dwellings, church, school or place of business.” source
“The slaughter and breeding of chickens on any premises in the city is prohibited.” 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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