Can I keep chickens in Hutchinson, KS?
Yes, with conditions — Hutchinson allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 8 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 20 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Hutchinson Zoning Regulations Sec. 27-919 (adopted June 2023), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 8 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 20 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Up to 8 chickens in side/rear yard in R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-6 and MH districts; +1 chicken per additional 250 sq ft of rear yard over 2,000 sq ft, max 20. Coops set back 10 ft from side lots, 5 ft from rear lot line, 20 ft from any adjacent dwelling/church/school/business. |
| Code section | Hutchinson Zoning Regulations Sec. 27-919 (adopted June 2023) |
Hutchinson permits keeping chickens as an accessory use in the R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-6 and MH residential districts (not R-1) under zoning regulation Sec. 27-919 adopted in 2023. A baseline of 8 chickens is allowed, increasing by 1 per additional 250 sq ft of rear yard above 2,000 sq ft, capped at 20. Roosters are prohibited and no slaughtering is allowed.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Hutchinson?
Yes, with conditions — Hutchinson allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Hutchinson Zoning Regulations Sec. 27-919 (adopted June 2023)).
How many chickens can I keep in Hutchinson?
Up to 8 hens. 8 hens on lots of 2,000+ sq ft, +1 per 250 sq ft above 2,000, max 20. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Hutchinson?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Hutchinson.
Are roosters allowed in Hutchinson?
No — roosters are prohibited in Hutchinson.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Hutchinson?
20 feet minimum. Up to 8 chickens in side/rear yard in R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-6 and MH districts; +1 chicken per additional 250 sq ft of rear yard over 2,000 sq ft, max 20. Coops set back 10 ft from side lots, 5 ft from rear lot line, 20 ft from any adjacent dwelling/church/school/business.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Hutchinson?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Hutchinson's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Hutchinson?
Hutchinson Zoning Regulations Sec. 27-919 (adopted June 2023). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Hutchinson Zoning Regulations Sec. 27-919 (adopted June 2023) — read the official code
“A maximum of 8 chickens may be kept in the side or rear yard only on any zoning lot listed above. For rear yards over 2,000 sq. ft. 1 additional chicken may be kept for each additional 250 sq.ft. up to a maximum of 20 chickens.” source
“D. No Roosters shall be kept.” source
“E. No public slaughtering or processing of chickens allowed.” 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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