Can I keep chickens in Manhattan, KS?
Yes — Manhattan allows backyard chickens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 25 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Manhattan Code of Ordinances, Ch. 6 (Animals and Fowl), Art. I, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | No numeric cap |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 25 ft |
| Coop rules | Coop/pen may not be closer than 25 ft to a neighbor's house; chickens must be confined to the property and kept clean enough not to create a nuisance. |
| Code section | Manhattan Code of Ordinances, Ch. 6 (Animals and Fowl), Art. I |
Manhattan allows backyard chickens citywide with no cap on the number of birds and no permit or license fee. Coops cannot be within 25 ft of a neighbor's dwelling, birds must be confined to the owner's property, and keeping must not create a nuisance. Roosters are effectively barred because crowing is prohibited under the city's noise rules.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Manhattan?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Manhattan (Manhattan Code of Ordinances, Ch. 6 (Animals and Fowl), Art. I).
How many chickens can I keep in Manhattan?
Manhattan sets no numeric cap on hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Manhattan?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Manhattan.
Are roosters allowed in Manhattan?
No — roosters are prohibited in Manhattan.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Manhattan?
25 feet minimum. Coop/pen may not be closer than 25 ft to a neighbor's house; chickens must be confined to the property and kept clean enough not to create a nuisance.
What law covers backyard chickens in Manhattan?
Manhattan Code of Ordinances, Ch. 6 (Animals and Fowl), Art. I. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Manhattan Code of Ordinances, Ch. 6 (Animals and Fowl), Art. I — read the official code
“Chickens are allowed in the City of Manhattan, as long as they are confined on your property (not running at large) and do not become a nuisance. There are no limits on the number of chickens, and no fees or licenses required.” source
“Also, your chicken coop can't be closer than 25 feet to your neighbor's house and you must keep your coop and yard clean enough not to bother your neighbors, according to city code.” 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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