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. 9.7.22 (Poultry Raising), Ord. 2023-10-16, verified June 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. 9.7.22 (Poultry Raising), Ord. 2023-10-16 |
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. 9.7.22 (Poultry Raising), Ord. 2023-10-16).
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. 9.7.22 (Poultry Raising), Ord. 2023-10-16. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Roswell UDC Sec. 9.7.22 (Poultry Raising), Ord. 2023-10-16 — read the official code
“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
“Roosters are expressly prohibited.” 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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