Can I keep chickens in Columbus, GA?
Yes, with conditions — Columbus allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 6 hens where permitted). Coops must be at least 100 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Columbus Code Sec. 5-42 (Keeping of fowl) (Ord. No. 84-91, 10-2-84; Ord. No. 21-061, Sec. 1(Exh. A), 11-16-21), verified August 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Coop setback | 100 ft |
| Coop rules | Structures for keeping, confining or sheltering poultry must be located no closer than 100 feet to any lot line. Only fowl six weeks or older count toward the limit. Structures may not be used for retail sales except under the business license section of the Code. |
| Code section | Columbus Code Sec. 5-42 (Keeping of fowl) (Ord. No. 84-91, 10-2-84; Ord. No. 21-061, Sec. 1(Exh. A), 11-16-21) |
Columbus has two separate paths. On any single-family residentially zoned lot, regardless of size, you may keep up to six chickens. Beyond that, keeping fowl is an accessory use allowed only on lots of two acres or more, capped by a bird-unit ratio of one bird unit per acre where 32 chickens equal one bird unit. Structures housing poultry must sit at least 100 feet from any lot line, which is the binding constraint on most properties.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Columbus?
Yes, with conditions — Columbus allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Columbus Code Sec. 5-42 (Keeping of fowl) (Ord. No. 84-91, 10-2-84; Ord. No. 21-061, Sec. 1(Exh. A), 11-16-21)).
How many chickens can I keep in Columbus?
Up to 6 hens. Six chickens permitted on any size lot with single-family residential (SFR) zoning. Otherwise fowl are an accessory use on lots of 2 acres or more at one bird unit per acre, where 32 chickens = one bird unit. Only fowl 6 weeks or older are counted.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Columbus?
100 feet minimum. Structures for keeping, confining or sheltering poultry must be located no closer than 100 feet to any lot line. Only fowl six weeks or older count toward the limit. Structures may not be used for retail sales except under the business license section of the Code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Columbus?
Columbus Code Sec. 5-42 (Keeping of fowl) (Ord. No. 84-91, 10-2-84; Ord. No. 21-061, Sec. 1(Exh. A), 11-16-21). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Columbus Code Sec. 5-42 (Keeping of fowl) (Ord. No. 84-91, 10-2-84; Ord. No. 21-061, Sec. 1(Exh. A), 11-16-21) — read the official code
“When permitted. The keeping of fowl shall be allowed as an accessory use on any lot two acres or more in size... The number of domestic fowl kept on a given lot shall not exceed the ratio of one bird unit per one acre, with a bird unit identified as follows: 32 chickens equals one bird unit.” source
“the keeping of up to six chickens will be permitted on any size lot with a single family residential (SFR) zoning use subject to compliance with the requirements of paragraphs (b) through (g) below.” source
“Notwithstanding the other provisions of this paragraph 5-42(a), the keeping of up to six chickens will be permitted on any size lot with a single family residential (SFR) zoning use subject to compliance with the requirements of paragraphs (b) through (g) below.” source
“Barns or other structures used for the confining or sheltering of domestic fowl not in connection with agriculture shall be no closer than 50 feet to any lot line.” source
Last verified August 16, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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