Can I keep chickens in Alexandria, LA?
Yes, with conditions — Alexandria allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 6 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 15 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Land Development Code Sec. 5.6.7 (Chicken and/or duck keeping); Code of Ordinances Ch. 5, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 15 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 20,000 sq ft |
| Coop rules | Allowed only in the ER, AR and SF-1 zoning districts. Lot at least 20,000 sq ft; max 6 chickens/ducks combined; no roosters; coop covered and confined, in the rear 50% of the lot depth, at least 15 ft from any side/rear lot line or neighboring dwelling. |
| Code section | Land Development Code Sec. 5.6.7 (Chicken and/or duck keeping); Code of Ordinances Ch. 5 |
Backyard chickens/ducks are a zone-restricted accessory use in Alexandria: permitted only in the ER, AR and SF-1 districts. Where allowed, the lot must be at least 20,000 sq ft, no more than 6 chickens/ducks combined, no roosters, and the coop must be covered, in the rear half of the lot, and set back at least 15 ft from lot lines and neighboring dwellings.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Alexandria?
Yes, with conditions — Alexandria allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Land Development Code Sec. 5.6.7 (Chicken and/or duck keeping); Code of Ordinances Ch. 5).
How many chickens can I keep in Alexandria?
Up to 6 hens. Allowed only in ER, AR and SF-1 districts on lots >=20,000 sqft; max 6 chickens/ducks combined; no roosters. Not permitted in other residential districts.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Alexandria?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Alexandria.
Are roosters allowed in Alexandria?
No — roosters are prohibited in Alexandria.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Alexandria?
15 feet minimum. Allowed only in the ER, AR and SF-1 zoning districts. Lot at least 20,000 sq ft; max 6 chickens/ducks combined; no roosters; coop covered and confined, in the rear 50% of the lot depth, at least 15 ft from any side/rear lot line or neighboring dwelling.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Alexandria?
Yes — 20,000 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in Alexandria?
Land Development Code Sec. 5.6.7 (Chicken and/or duck keeping); Code of Ordinances Ch. 5. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Land Development Code Sec. 5.6.7 (Chicken and/or duck keeping); Code of Ordinances Ch. 5 — read the official code
“Chickens and/or ducks may be kept in the ER, AR and SF-1 district, only, subject to the following:” source
“No more than ... six chickens/or ducks combined per lot; provided roosters shall be prohibited;” source
“No structure used to house the animals may be closer than 15 feet to 1. A side or rear lot line; or 2. A structure on an abutting lot containing a dwelling unit.” 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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