Can I keep chickens in Baltimore, MD?
Yes — Baltimore allows backyard chickens, up to 10 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 15 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (COBRA § 13.03.01.04(I), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 10 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($80) |
| Coop setback | 15 ft |
| Coop rules | Coop must be at least 15 feet from any residence; minimum 2 sq ft per hen; well-constructed and sanitary; shade and predator protection required. Maryland Poultry Premises Registration also required. |
| Code section | COBRA § 13.03.01.04(I) |
Baltimore City allows hens (no roosters) on residential lots: 4 hens on lots under 2,000 sq ft, plus 1 additional hen per extra 1,000 sq ft of lot area, up to a maximum of 10 hens. A permit from the Office of Animal Control is required ($80 fee), along with Maryland Poultry Premises Registration. Coops must be at least 15 feet from any residence.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Baltimore?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Baltimore (COBRA § 13.03.01.04(I)).
How many chickens can I keep in Baltimore?
Up to 10 hens. 4 hens, +1 per 1,000 sq ft above 2,000, max 10.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Baltimore?
Yes — Baltimore requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $80).
Are roosters allowed in Baltimore?
No — roosters are prohibited in Baltimore.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Baltimore?
15 feet minimum. Coop must be at least 15 feet from any residence; minimum 2 sq ft per hen; well-constructed and sanitary; shade and predator protection required. Maryland Poultry Premises Registration also required.
What law covers backyard chickens in Baltimore?
COBRA § 13.03.01.04(I). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
COBRA § 13.03.01.04(I) — read the official code
“A person permitted to keep a hen may keep: (a) Four hens over the age of 1 month on a lot less than 2,000 square feet; and (b) One additional hen over the age of 1 month for every additional 1,000 square feet of lot area over 2,000 square feet, not to exceed a total of 10 hens. ... Is not within 15 feet of a residence.” source
“the applicant shall remit a permit application fee of $80.00 for an individual animal or group of animals of the same type.” source
Last verified June 15, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
Reach people actively researching backyard chickens in their city. Founding sponsor slots now open.
Apply to become a sponsor →