Can I keep chickens in Emporia, KS?
Yes, with conditions — Emporia allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 6 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 50 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Emporia Code of Ordinances ch. 6 (Animals and Fowl), secs. 6-5 and 6-10, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 50 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Chicken enclosure must have secure sides and top, min 12 sq ft per chicken, max 150 sq ft total, housing no more than 6 chickens; enclosure at least 10 ft from all lot lines and 50 ft from any dwelling, church, school, or business not owned/occupied by the keeper. |
| Code section | Emporia Code of Ordinances ch. 6 (Animals and Fowl), secs. 6-5 and 6-10 |
Emporia treats chickens as 'fowl,' a category of 'farm animal,' and requires a valid annual farm animal permit issued by the city, with fees set by the city manager. Chicken enclosures are limited to no more than 6 chickens and must sit at least 10 ft from lot lines and 50 ft from other dwellings. Roosters, swine, and slaughtering are prohibited.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Emporia?
Yes, with conditions — Emporia allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Emporia Code of Ordinances ch. 6 (Animals and Fowl), secs. 6-5 and 6-10).
How many chickens can I keep in Emporia?
Up to 6 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Emporia?
Yes — Emporia requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Emporia?
No — roosters are prohibited in Emporia.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Emporia?
50 feet minimum. Chicken enclosure must have secure sides and top, min 12 sq ft per chicken, max 150 sq ft total, housing no more than 6 chickens; enclosure at least 10 ft from all lot lines and 50 ft from any dwelling, church, school, or business not owned/occupied by the keeper.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Emporia?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Emporia's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Emporia?
Emporia Code of Ordinances ch. 6 (Animals and Fowl), secs. 6-5 and 6-10. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Emporia Code of Ordinances ch. 6 (Animals and Fowl), secs. 6-5 and 6-10 — read the official code
“Chicken enclosures must be constructed with secure sides and tops ... must provide a minimum of twelve (12) square feet per chicken, shall not exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet in total footprint, and shall not house more than six (6) chickens.” source
“Farm Animals: (1) Permit Requirement: No person may own or keep farm animals without a valid farm animal permit issued by the city.” source
“Prohibited Activities and Limitations: The following are not allowed: ... Roosters; Swine; ... Commercial farming or slaughtering.” source
Last verified June 14, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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