Can I keep chickens in Shawnee, KS?
Yes, with conditions — Shawnee allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 10 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 40 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Shawnee Municipal Code Title 6 (Animals), Special Animal Permit / distance requirements, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 10 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($90) |
| Coop setback | 40 ft |
| Coop rules | Special Animal Permit required to keep birds incl. chickens/hens (limit 10). Coops/runs/tractors must be 10 ft from property line and 40 ft from neighboring homes, churches, schools or businesses; min 2 sq ft per chicken, max 100 sq ft total; inspected before chickens obtained; neighbors within 200 ft notified. |
| Code section | Shawnee Municipal Code Title 6 (Animals), Special Animal Permit / distance requirements |
Shawnee requires an annual Special Animal Permit ($90 new, $45 renewal) to keep birds including chickens/hens, limit 10. Coops/runs/tractors must be 10 ft from the property line and 40 ft from neighboring homes, churches, schools or businesses, provide at least 2 sq ft per chicken (max 100 sq ft), and be inspected before chickens are obtained.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Shawnee?
Yes, with conditions — Shawnee allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Shawnee Municipal Code Title 6 (Animals), Special Animal Permit / distance requirements).
How many chickens can I keep in Shawnee?
Up to 10 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Shawnee?
Yes — Shawnee requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $90).
Are roosters allowed in Shawnee?
No — roosters are prohibited in Shawnee.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Shawnee?
40 feet minimum. Special Animal Permit required to keep birds incl. chickens/hens (limit 10). Coops/runs/tractors must be 10 ft from property line and 40 ft from neighboring homes, churches, schools or businesses; min 2 sq ft per chicken, max 100 sq ft total; inspected before chickens obtained; neighbors within 200 ft notified.
What law covers backyard chickens in Shawnee?
Shawnee Municipal Code Title 6 (Animals), Special Animal Permit / distance requirements. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Shawnee Municipal Code Title 6 (Animals), Special Animal Permit / distance requirements — read the official code
“Domesticated or wild birds, including but not limited to chickens, hens, ducks, geese, pheasants, turkeys and doves, limit of ten (10).” source
“$90 NEW Application ... $45 Renewal Application” source
“chicken coops/runs/tractors, 10 feet from property line and 40 feet from neighboring homes, churches, schools, and/or businesses.” 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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