Can I keep chickens in Paragould, AR?
Yes, with conditions — Paragould allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. (Chapter 6, Article III, secs. 6-93 to 6-96 (Code 1973; Ord. 79-35, 1979), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Permit required | Yes ($5) |
| Coop rules | Poultry generally prohibited in city limits except in agriculture-zoned areas or by permit; kept in enclosures under supervision of the chief of police; enclosures must not become unsanitary, obnoxious, or harbor flies/mosquitoes/rats. Permit revoked if poultry create a nuisance. |
| Code section | Chapter 6, Article III, secs. 6-93 to 6-96 (Code 1973; Ord. 79-35, 1979) |
Paragould prohibits keeping poultry within the city limits except in areas zoned agriculture, or elsewhere by obtaining a one-time permit from the chief of police for a $5.00 fee. In non-agricultural (residential) zones, chickens are only allowed if such a discretionary permit is obtained, and the permit is revoked if the poultry create a nuisance to adjoining property owners. The code sets no specific hen count, setback, or rooster rule.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Paragould?
Yes, with conditions — Paragould allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Chapter 6, Article III, secs. 6-93 to 6-96 (Code 1973; Ord. 79-35, 1979)).
How many chickens can I keep in Paragould?
It depends on your lot. Poultry prohibited in residential/non-ag zones except by discretionary one-time $5 police-chief permit; revocable on nuisance. No numeric hen cap in code.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Paragould?
Yes — Paragould requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $5).
What law covers backyard chickens in Paragould?
Chapter 6, Article III, secs. 6-93 to 6-96 (Code 1973; Ord. 79-35, 1979). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Chapter 6, Article III, secs. 6-93 to 6-96 (Code 1973; Ord. 79-35, 1979) — read the official code
“It shall be unlawful for any person to keep, maintain or permit to run at large within the corporate limits of the city any cows, horses, goats, hogs, sheep, rabbits or poultry, except as hereinafter provided.” source
“The permit shall be required only once, but will be revoked if said livestock or poultry are allowed to create a nuisance to adjoining property owners.” source
“In all areas zoned other than agriculture, the keeping and maintaining of rabbits, poultry, cows and horses may be allowed by the obtaining of a permit from the chief of police at a cost of $5.00.” 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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