Can I keep chickens in Terre Haute, IN?
Yes, with conditions — Terre Haute allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 8 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 5 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Terre Haute City Code Ch. 6 (Chicken Flock License); adopted 2019, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 8 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($50) |
| Coop setback | 5 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 4,800 sq ft |
| Coop rules | Coop at least 5 ft from property lines and at least 20 ft from neighboring dwellings; 6-ft fence (per adopting ordinance). Property must be zoned R-1 or R-2 and include an occupied house. One flock per address. |
| Code section | Terre Haute City Code Ch. 6 (Chicken Flock License); adopted 2019 |
Terre Haute allows a licensed chicken flock of up to 8 hens (no roosters or other birds) on lots of at least 4,800 sq ft zoned R-1 or R-2 with an occupied house. A Chicken Flock License is mandatory, valid two years, costing $50. Coop setbacks are 5 ft from property lines and 20 ft from neighboring homes.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Terre Haute?
Yes, with conditions — Terre Haute allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Terre Haute City Code Ch. 6 (Chicken Flock License); adopted 2019).
How many chickens can I keep in Terre Haute?
Up to 8 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Terre Haute?
Yes — Terre Haute requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $50).
Are roosters allowed in Terre Haute?
No — roosters are prohibited in Terre Haute.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Terre Haute?
5 feet minimum. Coop at least 5 ft from property lines and at least 20 ft from neighboring dwellings; 6-ft fence (per adopting ordinance). Property must be zoned R-1 or R-2 and include an occupied house. One flock per address.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Terre Haute?
Yes — 4,800 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in Terre Haute?
Terre Haute City Code Ch. 6 (Chicken Flock License); adopted 2019. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Terre Haute City Code Ch. 6 (Chicken Flock License); adopted 2019 — read the official code
“A maximum of eight (8) hens are allowed per property.” source
“The land the chicken flock is requested to be located on must be a minimum of 4,800 square feet” source
“The Chicken Flock License is valid for two (2) years and the cost is $50.00” source
“Roosters are NOT allowed nor are other types of birds” 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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