Can I keep chickens in Frankfort, KY?
Yes, with conditions — Frankfort allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 6 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 25 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Frankfort Code of Ordinances Sec. 90.08 (Urban Backyard Chickens) (Ord. No. 3, 2022 Series), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($50) |
| Coop setback | 25 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Chickens kept in the backyard within a 6-ft fenced area, in a roofed, fully enclosed, lockable henhouse/coop/tractor/run at least 25 ft from the nearest residence other than the owner's; no odor beyond the property line; manure stored/removed properly; feed in rodent-resistant containers. |
| Code section | Frankfort Code of Ordinances Sec. 90.08 (Urban Backyard Chickens) (Ord. No. 3, 2022 Series) |
Frankfort expressly permits urban backyard chickens under Sec. 90.08 (adopted 2022) with a Planning Department permit and a $50 fee. Up to six non-crowing chickens are allowed; roosters, turkeys, guineas, ducks and geese are prohibited, and breeding or slaughtering is banned. Coops and runs must sit in the backyard at least 25 ft from the nearest neighboring residence inside a 6-ft fenced area.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Frankfort?
Yes, with conditions — Frankfort allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Frankfort Code of Ordinances Sec. 90.08 (Urban Backyard Chickens) (Ord. No. 3, 2022 Series)).
How many chickens can I keep in Frankfort?
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 Frankfort?
Yes — Frankfort requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $50).
Are roosters allowed in Frankfort?
No — roosters are prohibited in Frankfort.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Frankfort?
25 feet minimum. Chickens kept in the backyard within a 6-ft fenced area, in a roofed, fully enclosed, lockable henhouse/coop/tractor/run at least 25 ft from the nearest residence other than the owner's; no odor beyond the property line; manure stored/removed properly; feed in rodent-resistant containers.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Frankfort?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Frankfort's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Frankfort?
Frankfort Code of Ordinances Sec. 90.08 (Urban Backyard Chickens) (Ord. No. 3, 2022 Series). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Frankfort Code of Ordinances Sec. 90.08 (Urban Backyard Chickens) (Ord. No. 3, 2022 Series) — read the official code
“There shall be no more than six (6) chickens kept on a property within the city limits at any one time.” source
“A permit shall be required to be obtained from the Planning Department... Each permit shall be accompanied by a fifty dollar ($50.00) permit fee.” source
“Only the keeping of non-crowing chickens shall be allowed. Adult roosters, turkeys, guineas, ducks, geese or other domestic fowl are specifically prohibited.” source
“The henhouse/coop/tractor and any associated run attached to it shall be located in the backyard and be a minimum of twenty-five feet (25') from the nearest residence, not including the residence of the owner of the chickens.” 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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