Can I keep chickens in Gaithersburg, MD?
Yes — Gaithersburg allows backyard chickens, up to 6 hens. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 30 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Ch. 4 § 4-7 (Animals and Fowl - Regulations for keeping of pigeons and other domestic fowl), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Coop setback | 30 ft |
| Coop rules | Coop must be 30 ft from any inhabited dwelling; 5 ft from lot lines. |
| Code section | Ch. 4 § 4-7 (Animals and Fowl - Regulations for keeping of pigeons and other domestic fowl) |
Gaithersburg allows up to 6 hens with a 30-ft setback from any inhabited dwelling and 5-ft setback from lot lines. Roosters are prohibited. More than 6 hens may be permitted if the coop is located 200+ ft from neighboring homes.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Gaithersburg?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Gaithersburg (Ch. 4 § 4-7 (Animals and Fowl - Regulations for keeping of pigeons and other domestic fowl)).
How many chickens can I keep in Gaithersburg?
Up to 6 hens. Up to 6 hens standard; more than 6 allowed if coop is 200+ ft from neighboring homes.
Are roosters allowed in Gaithersburg?
No — roosters are prohibited in Gaithersburg.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Gaithersburg?
30 feet minimum. Coop must be 30 ft from any inhabited dwelling; 5 ft from lot lines.
What law covers backyard chickens in Gaithersburg?
Ch. 4 § 4-7 (Animals and Fowl - Regulations for keeping of pigeons and other domestic fowl). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Ch. 4 § 4-7 (Animals and Fowl - Regulations for keeping of pigeons and other domestic fowl) — read the official code
“Sec. 4-7. - Regulations for keeping of pigeons and other domestic fowl. [VERSION: JUN 8, 2026 (CURRENT)]” source
“Gaithersburg also allows hens, up to six unless 200 feet from neighboring homes.” source
“Gaithersburg says your chickens must be 30 feet from houses, 5 feet from lot lines, and no more than 6 chickens unless 200 feet from neighboring homes.” 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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