Can I keep chickens in Jonesboro, AR?
Yes — Jonesboro allows backyard chickens, up to 5 hens with no permit required. (Jonesboro Code of Ordinances ch. 10 (Animals), sec. 10-10, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 5 |
| Roosters | Allowed with conditions |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop rules | Fowl may not run at large and must be confined to the owner's premises. No fowl-specific coop/setback standards (the 150-ft setback applies only to horses and cows). No animal may disturb the peace with loud or obnoxious noise. |
| Code section | Jonesboro Code of Ordinances ch. 10 (Animals), sec. 10-10 |
Jonesboro caps the total number of domestic animals and/or fowl (excluding cattle and horses) at five per owner/premises, so a resident may keep up to five fowl, counted together with other small animals. Fowl must be confined. The code sets no fowl-specific setback, no permit, and no rooster prohibition.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Jonesboro?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Jonesboro (Jonesboro Code of Ordinances ch. 10 (Animals), sec. 10-10).
How many chickens can I keep in Jonesboro?
Up to 5 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Jonesboro?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Jonesboro.
Are roosters allowed in Jonesboro?
Yes, with conditions — see Jonesboro's rules (Jonesboro Code of Ordinances ch. 10 (Animals), sec. 10-10).
What law covers backyard chickens in Jonesboro?
Jonesboro Code of Ordinances ch. 10 (Animals), sec. 10-10. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Jonesboro Code of Ordinances ch. 10 (Animals), sec. 10-10 — read the official code
“It shall be unlawful for any owner to maintain horses and cows within the corporate limits of the city within 150 feet of any residence, except that this subsection shall not apply to pasture lands which exceed two acres or more in area.” source
“It shall be unlawful for any person to own or possess more than five domestic animals and/or fowl except cattle and horses, at any one time.” 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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