Can I keep chickens in Indianapolis, IN?
Yes — Indianapolis allows backyard chickens, up to 12 hens with no permit required. (Revised Code of the Consolidated City and County, Sec. 743-306.U (Personal Livestock), Table 743-306-3; Ch. 531 (Animals), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 12 |
| Roosters | Allowed with conditions |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop rules | Pen, shelter, coop, roost, or hutch must not be located in a front yard and must meet the setbacks of the underlying zoning district. Outside exercise area must be fenced and not in the front yard. Animals must at all times be confined to the lot. |
| Code section | Revised Code of the Consolidated City and County, Sec. 743-306.U (Personal Livestock), Table 743-306-3; Ch. 531 (Animals) |
Indianapolis-Marion County zoning permits 'Personal Livestock' as an accessory use. Up to 12 chickens (grouped with quail, pigeons and ducks) may be kept on a lot with no minimum lot size; more is allowed with a personal livestock license. Roosters are limited to one per lot and must be kept inside an enclosed coop from dusk to dawn. Coops and pens may not sit in a front yard and must meet district setbacks.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Indianapolis?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Indianapolis (Revised Code of the Consolidated City and County, Sec. 743-306.U (Personal Livestock), Table 743-306-3; Ch. 531 (Animals)).
How many chickens can I keep in Indianapolis?
Up to 12 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Indianapolis?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Indianapolis.
Are roosters allowed in Indianapolis?
Yes, with conditions — see Indianapolis's rules (Revised Code of the Consolidated City and County, Sec. 743-306.U (Personal Livestock), Table 743-306-3; Ch. 531 (Animals)).
What law covers backyard chickens in Indianapolis?
Revised Code of the Consolidated City and County, Sec. 743-306.U (Personal Livestock), Table 743-306-3; Ch. 531 (Animals). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Revised Code of the Consolidated City and County, Sec. 743-306.U (Personal Livestock), Table 743-306-3; Ch. 531 (Animals) — read the official code
“Pen, shelter, coop, roost, hutch, or other shelter for animals must not be located in a front yard and must meet setbacks required in the District. Animals must at all times be confined to the lot.” source
“Chickens, Quail, Pigeons and Ducks One 12 No minimum” source
“Roosters are limited to one per lot and between dusk to dawn the rooster must be kept inside an enclosed coop or similar fully-enclosed structure.” 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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