Can I keep chickens in Columbus, IN?
Yes, with conditions — Columbus allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 4 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 20 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Columbus Municipal Code Sec. 6.08.045 (Chicken flocks), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 4 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 20 ft |
| Coop rules | Coop gives each chicken >=4 sq ft; attached run >=4 sq ft per chicken; coop plus run not to exceed 32 sq ft; ground cover required; located >=20 ft from any adjacent property line; not in front or side yard; owner-occupied property only; owner must hold an Indiana BOAH premises ID. |
| Code section | Columbus Municipal Code Sec. 6.08.045 (Chicken flocks) |
Columbus permits up to four hens (no roosters) without a permit on owner-occupied property, provided the keeper has an Indiana Board of Animal Health premises ID. The coop and attached run must meet space minimums (4 sq ft per bird each, 32 sq ft combined cap), sit at least 20 ft from any adjacent property line, and not be in a front or side yard. Roosters and the sale of chickens are prohibited.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Columbus?
Yes, with conditions — Columbus allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Columbus Municipal Code Sec. 6.08.045 (Chicken flocks)).
How many chickens can I keep in Columbus?
Up to 4 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.
Are roosters allowed in Columbus?
No — roosters are prohibited in Columbus.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Columbus?
20 feet minimum. Coop gives each chicken >=4 sq ft; attached run >=4 sq ft per chicken; coop plus run not to exceed 32 sq ft; ground cover required; located >=20 ft from any adjacent property line; not in front or side yard; owner-occupied property only; owner must hold an Indiana BOAH premises ID.
What law covers backyard chickens in Columbus?
Columbus Municipal Code Sec. 6.08.045 (Chicken flocks). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Columbus Municipal Code Sec. 6.08.045 (Chicken flocks) — read the official code
“the confinement of the chicken flock, not to exceed four hens, complies with the following criteria” source
“the confinement permitted under this section shall be limited to properties in which the owner of the property has a premises identification number from the Indiana State Board of Animal Health” source
“Roosters shall be prohibited within the city limits unless the rooster is in possession of a keeper” source
“The chicken coop and attached chicken run shall be located no less than twenty feet from any adjacent property 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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