Can I keep chickens in Natchitoches, LA?
Yes, with conditions — Natchitoches allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. (Code of Ordinances Appendix B - Zoning Regulations, Sec. II.B (R-1 Districts), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop rules | Chapter 6 (Animals and Fowl) sets no backyard fowl-keeping standard. Under zoning (Appendix B), 'Livestock and Poultry Raising' in R-1 districts is a use requiring Planning Commission approval of the location and site plan. |
| Code section | Code of Ordinances Appendix B - Zoning Regulations, Sec. II.B (R-1 Districts) |
Natchitoches' animal chapter has no backyard fowl-keeping standard, so the operative rule is zoning. In R-1 one-family residence districts, 'Livestock and Poultry Raising, including Dairy' is a 'use requiring planning commission approval' - i.e., poultry-keeping in residential zones is a conditional/special use requiring Planning Commission approval, not a by-right use. No numeric hen cap or fee is specified.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Natchitoches?
Yes, with conditions — Natchitoches allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Code of Ordinances Appendix B - Zoning Regulations, Sec. II.B (R-1 Districts)).
How many chickens can I keep in Natchitoches?
It depends on your lot. In R-1 residential districts, poultry raising is a special use requiring Planning Commission approval of location and site plan (not by-right). No numeric hen cap, setback or fee specified.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Natchitoches?
Yes — Natchitoches requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
What law covers backyard chickens in Natchitoches?
Code of Ordinances Appendix B - Zoning Regulations, Sec. II.B (R-1 Districts). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Code of Ordinances Appendix B - Zoning Regulations, Sec. II.B (R-1 Districts) — read the official code
“(2) Uses requiring planning commission approval. ... Livestock and Poultry Raising, including Dairy; need not be enclosed within structure.” source
“The uses listed below are permitted upon approval of the location and site plan thereof by the Planning Commission” 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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