Can I keep chickens in Gardner, KS?
Yes, with conditions — Gardner allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 15 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited. (Gardner Municipal Code sec. 17.05.040(G)(1) (Animal Keeping); see also 6.05.090(D), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 15 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop rules | On lots under 3 acres, only small animals such as chickens are allowed as approved by the Director of Community Development upon review of a plot/site plan: no more than one small animal per 1,000 sq ft of lot area and no more than 15 per lot; roosters prohibited. |
| Code section | Gardner Municipal Code sec. 17.05.040(G)(1) (Animal Keeping); see also 6.05.090(D) |
Gardner bans farm animals in non-agricultural zones except as the zoning code's animal-keeping provision allows. On lots under three acres a resident may keep small animals such as chickens — no more than one per 1,000 sq ft of lot area and no more than 15 total — but only as approved by the Director of Community Development after review of a plot/site plan, and roosters are prohibited. Keeping is therefore conditional.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Gardner?
Yes, with conditions — Gardner allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Gardner Municipal Code sec. 17.05.040(G)(1) (Animal Keeping); see also 6.05.090(D)).
How many chickens can I keep in Gardner?
Up to 15 hens. Lots under 3 acres: 1 small animal (e.g., chicken) per 1,000 sq ft of lot area, max 15 per lot, only with Director of Community Development approval of a plot/site plan; roosters prohibited. Larger allowances apply on lots 3+ acres.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Gardner?
Yes — Gardner requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Gardner?
No — roosters are prohibited in Gardner.
What law covers backyard chickens in Gardner?
Gardner Municipal Code sec. 17.05.040(G)(1) (Animal Keeping); see also 6.05.090(D). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Gardner Municipal Code sec. 17.05.040(G)(1) (Animal Keeping); see also 6.05.090(D) — read the official code
“Only small animals such as rabbits, chickens or other animals of similar size and characteristics (not to include honeybees) on lots less than three acres in size, as approved by the Director of Community Development or designee upon review of a plot plan or site plan ... No more than one small animal per 1,000 square feet of lot area and no more than 15 per lot.” source
“Prohibited Animals. Roosters and other animals with frequent, loud vocalizations are not permitted.” source
Last verified June 14, 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 →