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 50 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Columbus Code Sec. 5-42 (Keeping of fowl), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 50 ft |
| Coop rules | Non-agricultural fowl structures must be at least 50 ft from any lot line (100 ft for agricultural poultry barns); no noise/odor detrimental to neighbors; fowl may not leave the owner's property. |
| Code section | Columbus Code Sec. 5-42 (Keeping of fowl) |
Columbus allows up to 6 chickens on any size single-family-residential lot, subject to a 50-ft coop setback from all lot lines and nuisance rules. Lots of 2+ acres may keep fowl at 32 chickens per acre as an agricultural accessory use. No keeping permit required. Verified against current code (June 2026).
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)).
How many chickens can I keep in Columbus?
Up to 6 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Columbus?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Columbus.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Columbus?
50 feet minimum. Non-agricultural fowl structures must be at least 50 ft from any lot line (100 ft for agricultural poultry barns); no noise/odor detrimental to neighbors; fowl may not leave the owner's property.
What law covers backyard chickens in Columbus?
Columbus Code Sec. 5-42 (Keeping of fowl). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Columbus Code Sec. 5-42 (Keeping of fowl) — read the official code
“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 June 13, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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