Can I keep chickens in Jacksonville, AR?
Yes, with conditions — Jacksonville allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 6 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 50 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Title 6, Chapter 6.08 (Livestock and Fowl), secs. 6.08.030-6.08.050 (Ord. 1703, 2022), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 50 ft |
| Coop rules | Chickens confined in an internal pen/coop/enclosure in the backyard, with a second fence around the backyard; min 3 sq ft per bird over 4 months; birds may not range freely; coop must avoid offensive odors, fly breeding, or nuisance. |
| Code section | Title 6, Chapter 6.08 (Livestock and Fowl), secs. 6.08.030-6.08.050 (Ord. 1703, 2022) |
Jacksonville allows chickens citywide subject to setback-based limits: up to 3 chickens if the enclosure is at least 50 feet from any street, business, or other residence; up to 6 chickens at 75 feet; and unlimited chickens on residential parcels of at least 2.5 acres. Roosters are only permitted on parcels of 2.5 acres or more. No permit or fee is required; birds must be kept in a backyard pen/coop (min 3 sq ft each) with a surrounding fence.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Jacksonville?
Yes, with conditions — Jacksonville allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Title 6, Chapter 6.08 (Livestock and Fowl), secs. 6.08.030-6.08.050 (Ord. 1703, 2022)).
How many chickens can I keep in Jacksonville?
Up to 6 hens. Setback-based, not lot-size-based: up to 3 chickens if enclosure >=50 ft from any street/business/other residence; up to 6 chickens if >=75 ft; unlimited if residential parcel >=2.5 acres. Roosters only on parcels >=2.5 acres.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Jacksonville?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Jacksonville.
Are roosters allowed in Jacksonville?
No — roosters are prohibited in Jacksonville.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Jacksonville?
50 feet minimum. Chickens confined in an internal pen/coop/enclosure in the backyard, with a second fence around the backyard; min 3 sq ft per bird over 4 months; birds may not range freely; coop must avoid offensive odors, fly breeding, or nuisance.
What law covers backyard chickens in Jacksonville?
Title 6, Chapter 6.08 (Livestock and Fowl), secs. 6.08.030-6.08.050 (Ord. 1703, 2022). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Title 6, Chapter 6.08 (Livestock and Fowl), secs. 6.08.030-6.08.050 (Ord. 1703, 2022) — read the official code
“Chickens or roosters must be confined in an internal pen, coop, or enclosure in the backyard of the owner ... must provide a minimum of three square feet (3 SF) per chicken or rooster over four (4) months of age.” source
“A maximum of three (3) chickens may be maintained in an enclosure no closer than Fifty Feet (50') ... A maximum of six (6) chickens may be maintained in an enclosure no closer than Seventy-Five Feet (75') ... There are no restrictions on the number of chickens permitted on residential parcels consisting of at least Two and One-Half (2.5) acres.” source
“Roosters shall only be permitted on properties consisting of at least Two and One-Half (2.5) acres or more.” 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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