Can I keep chickens in Lafayette, IN?
Yes — Lafayette allows backyard chickens, up to 5 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Lafayette Municipal Code Ch. 10.11 (Chickens), adopted Aug. 2025, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 5 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($0) |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Coop rules | Coop and predator-proof pen required; coop fully enclosed, solid roof/door, >=18 in high, >=1 sq ft floor per chicken, ventilated; pen >=2 sq ft per chicken, fence <=6 ft, covered. Coop/pen behind the residence, >=10 ft from property lines and >=20 ft from any dwelling. Free city permit and bird ID required. |
| Code section | Lafayette Municipal Code Ch. 10.11 (Chickens), adopted Aug. 2025 |
Lafayette legalized backyard hens in 2025. The Common Council voted 5-3 in August 2025 to add Chapter 10.11, allowing residential owners to keep a 'chicken flock' of up to five hens and no roosters for non-commercial use. A coop and predator-proof pen are required behind the home, at least 10 feet from property lines and 20 feet from any dwelling, with a free city permit, bird ID, and a one-year sunset for review.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Lafayette?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Lafayette (Lafayette Municipal Code Ch. 10.11 (Chickens), adopted Aug. 2025).
How many chickens can I keep in Lafayette?
Up to 5 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Lafayette?
Yes — Lafayette requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $0).
Are roosters allowed in Lafayette?
No — roosters are prohibited in Lafayette.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Lafayette?
10 feet minimum. Coop and predator-proof pen required; coop fully enclosed, solid roof/door, >=18 in high, >=1 sq ft floor per chicken, ventilated; pen >=2 sq ft per chicken, fence <=6 ft, covered. Coop/pen behind the residence, >=10 ft from property lines and >=20 ft from any dwelling. Free city permit and bird ID required.
What law covers backyard chickens in Lafayette?
Lafayette Municipal Code Ch. 10.11 (Chickens), adopted Aug. 2025. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Lafayette Municipal Code Ch. 10.11 (Chickens), adopted Aug. 2025 — read the official code
“"Chicken flock" means one chicken or a group of two or more chickens which contains no more than five hens and no roosters.” source
“D. The chicken coop and chicken pen must be at least twenty (20) feet from any home or capable of being used for human habitation, unless the harborer owns or lives in the building. E. The chicken coop and chicken pen must be at least ten (10) feet from the property line of any adjoining lots. F. Chicken coops and chicken pens shall be located behind the residential structure.” 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 →