Can I keep chickens in Russellville, AR?
Yes, with conditions — Russellville allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 5 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 50 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Ordinance 2021-02 (Russellville fowl ordinance); Animal Control Code adopted by Ord. 1671, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 5 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 50 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 87,120 sq ft |
| Coop rules | Fowl must be kept in pens/enclosures, not run at large, and kept so no foul odor reaches adjoining property; pen/enclosure at least 50 ft from any other landowner's property line. |
| Code section | Ordinance 2021-02 (Russellville fowl ordinance); Animal Control Code adopted by Ord. 1671 |
In Russellville, keeping any fowl (including chickens) is prohibited in residentially-zoned districts unless the lot is larger than two acres, in which case up to five fowl are allowed if penned and not at large. Roosters are banned citywide at all times, and pens must be at least 50 feet from any neighbor's property line. For typical residential lots under two acres, no chickens are permitted.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Russellville?
Yes, with conditions — Russellville allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Ordinance 2021-02 (Russellville fowl ordinance); Animal Control Code adopted by Ord. 1671).
How many chickens can I keep in Russellville?
Up to 5 hens. Fowl prohibited in residential zoning districts unless lot > 2 acres (87,120 sqft); on qualifying lots up to 5 fowl total, penned, 50 ft from any neighbor property line. Roosters never allowed.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Russellville?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Russellville.
Are roosters allowed in Russellville?
No — roosters are prohibited in Russellville.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Russellville?
50 feet minimum. Fowl must be kept in pens/enclosures, not run at large, and kept so no foul odor reaches adjoining property; pen/enclosure at least 50 ft from any other landowner's property line.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Russellville?
Yes — 87,120 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in Russellville?
Ordinance 2021-02 (Russellville fowl ordinance); Animal Control Code adopted by Ord. 1671. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Ordinance 2021-02 (Russellville fowl ordinance); Animal Control Code adopted by Ord. 1671 — read the official code
“No person shall for any purpose keep within the city any fowl within a district that has a zoning designation as residential unless the property upon which the fowl is kept is larger than two acres, in which case, the person may keep up to five fowl as long as the fowl are kept in pens and enclosures and not permitted to run at large upon the property.” source
“The keeping of roosters shall not be allowed within the city limits of Russellville at any time.” source
“those who do keep fowl under the rules aforementioned, must keep them in a pen or enclosure at least 50 feet from the property line of any other landowners.” source
Last verified June 14, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
Reach people actively researching backyard chickens in their city. Founding sponsor slots now open.
Apply to become a sponsor →