Can I keep chickens in Roswell, GA?
Yes, with conditions — Roswell allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 36 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 25 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Roswell UDC Sec. 9.7.21 (Poultry Raising), verified August 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 36 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 25 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 14,375 sq ft |
| Coop rules | Poultry only in the rear or side yard within a fenced area; enclosures at least 25 ft from residential structures on abutting lots; odor not perceptible and noise not disturbing at property boundaries; non-commercial use only. |
| Code section | Roswell UDC Sec. 9.7.21 (Poultry Raising) |
Roswell's 2023 ordinance scales poultry by lot size: none under 0.33 acre, up to 6 birds on 0.34-1 acre, and 12 per acre up to a maximum of 36 above 1 acre. Roosters are expressly prohibited and enclosures must be 25 ft from neighbors' homes. Non-commercial keeping only; no permit required. Verified against current code (June 2026).
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Roswell?
Yes, with conditions — Roswell allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Roswell UDC Sec. 9.7.21 (Poultry Raising)).
How many chickens can I keep in Roswell?
Up to 36 hens. Under 0.33 acre: no poultry. 0.34-1 acre: up to 6. Over 1 acre: 12 per acre, maximum 36. Roosters prohibited.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Roswell?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Roswell.
Are roosters allowed in Roswell?
No — roosters are prohibited in Roswell.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Roswell?
25 feet minimum. Poultry only in the rear or side yard within a fenced area; enclosures at least 25 ft from residential structures on abutting lots; odor not perceptible and noise not disturbing at property boundaries; non-commercial use only.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Roswell?
Yes — 14,375 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in Roswell?
Roswell UDC Sec. 9.7.21 (Poultry Raising). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Roswell UDC Sec. 9.7.21 (Poultry Raising) — read the official code
“Chickens: Unified Development Code Section 9.7.21” source
“Less than 0.33 acre is not allowed poultry, 0.34 acre to 1.00 acre is allowed a maximum of 6 poultry, 1.01 acres or more is allowed 12 poultry per acre for a total maximum of 36 poultry.” source
“Less than 0.33 acre is not allowed poultry, 0.34 acre to 1.00 acre is allowed a maximum of 6 poultry, and 1.01 acres or more is allowed 12 poultry per acre for a total maximum of 36 poultry per single-family detached residence” source
“Roosters are expressly prohibited.” source
Last verified August 9, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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