Can I keep chickens in Savannah, GA?
Yes — Savannah allows backyard chickens, up to 30 hens with no permit required. Coops must be at least 25 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Savannah Code Sec. 9-5046; Sec. 9-5049, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 30 |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 25 ft |
| Home slaughter | Allowed with restrictions |
| Coop rules | Building permit required for any coop/shelter of 120 sq ft or larger; habitat 25 ft from neighboring living quarters (up to 10 birds) or 50 ft (more than 10), waivable with the neighbor's written permission; no tethering. |
| Code section | Savannah Code Sec. 9-5046; Sec. 9-5049 |
Savannah allows chickens for personal, non-commercial use at 1 bird per 1,000 sq ft of high ground, capped at 30 (more constitutes a poultry farm). Setbacks of 25/50 ft from neighboring living quarters apply but can be waived in writing. Humane, out-of-sight slaughter is permitted. Verified against current code (June 2026).
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Savannah?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Savannah (Savannah Code Sec. 9-5046; Sec. 9-5049).
How many chickens can I keep in Savannah?
Up to 30 hens. 1 hen per 1,000 sq ft of lot area, max 30.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Savannah?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Savannah.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Savannah?
25 feet minimum. Building permit required for any coop/shelter of 120 sq ft or larger; habitat 25 ft from neighboring living quarters (up to 10 birds) or 50 ft (more than 10), waivable with the neighbor's written permission; no tethering.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Savannah?
Yes, with restrictions — see the city's rules in Savannah Code Sec. 9-5046; Sec. 9-5049.
What law covers backyard chickens in Savannah?
Savannah Code Sec. 9-5046; Sec. 9-5049. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Savannah Code Sec. 9-5046; Sec. 9-5049 — read the official code
“One chicken per 1,000 square feet of high ground shall be permitted; provided, however, that the maximum number of allowable chickens shall be 30.” source
“Up to ten birds: 25 feet; More than ten birds: 50 feet.” source
Last verified June 13, 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 →