Can I keep chickens in Aberdeen, MD?
Yes — Aberdeen allows backyard chickens, up to 6 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 6 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (§ 235-27.H.(4) (Ordinance No. 20-O-08, adopted August 17, 2020), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($25) |
| Coop setback | 6 ft |
| Coop rules | Enclosed coop with 4 walls and roof required; minimum 3 sq ft per bird; located in rear yard; 6 ft from side/rear lot lines and from other structures; constructed of treated lumber, composite, or brick. |
| Code section | § 235-27.H.(4) (Ordinance No. 20-O-08, adopted August 17, 2020) |
Aberdeen adopted Ordinance No. 20-O-08 (2020) allowing hens in all residential districts. Up to 6 hens are permitted per each half-acre or portion thereof of lot area, meaning even a small lot gets 6 hens minimum. A $25 permit is required, roosters are prohibited, and an enclosed rear-yard coop meeting size and material requirements is mandatory.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Aberdeen?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Aberdeen (§ 235-27.H.(4) (Ordinance No. 20-O-08, adopted August 17, 2020)).
How many chickens can I keep in Aberdeen?
Up to 6 hens. 6 hens per each half-acre or portion thereof of lot area; minimum 6 hens on any residential lot regardless of size; no stated cap.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Aberdeen?
Yes — Aberdeen requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $25).
Are roosters allowed in Aberdeen?
No — roosters are prohibited in Aberdeen.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Aberdeen?
6 feet minimum. Enclosed coop with 4 walls and roof required; minimum 3 sq ft per bird; located in rear yard; 6 ft from side/rear lot lines and from other structures; constructed of treated lumber, composite, or brick.
What law covers backyard chickens in Aberdeen?
§ 235-27.H.(4) (Ordinance No. 20-O-08, adopted August 17, 2020). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
§ 235-27.H.(4) (Ordinance No. 20-O-08, adopted August 17, 2020) — read the official code
“CHICKENS OTHER THAN ROOSTERS OR COCKERELS MAY BE KEPT FOR HOUSEHOLD USE OR AS HOUSEHOLD PETS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING PROVISIONS” source
“(A) THE NUMBER OF CHICKENS THAT MAY BE KEPT ON ANY LOT MAY NOT EXCEED SIX CHICKENS FOR EACH ONE-HALF ACRE OR PORTION OF ONE-HALF ACRE OF LOT AREA” source
“(D) A PERMIT SHALL BE ESTABLISHED AND ISSUED TO THE HOMEOWNER BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, THE COST OF THE PERMIT NOT TO EXCEED TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS ($25)” source
“CHICKENS OTHER THAN ROOSTERS OR COCKERELS MAY BE KEPT FOR HOUSEHOLD USE” source
Last verified June 15, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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