Can I keep chickens in Hagerstown, MD?
No — Hagerstown does not allow backyard chickens in residential zones. (City Code § 87-2; Land Management Code Chapter 140, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | No |
|---|---|
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Code section | City Code § 87-2; Land Management Code Chapter 140 |
Hagerstown expressly prohibits keeping farm animals including chickens and other fowl within city limits, except in areas zoned agricultural and in established stockyards. The City Code § 87-2 makes this prohibition explicit. A separate city notice confirms fowl including chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese are prohibited for any reason, including as household pets.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Hagerstown?
No — chickens are not allowed in Hagerstown (City Code § 87-2; Land Management Code Chapter 140).
Are roosters allowed in Hagerstown?
No — roosters are prohibited in Hagerstown.
What law covers backyard chickens in Hagerstown?
City Code § 87-2; Land Management Code Chapter 140. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
City Code § 87-2; Land Management Code Chapter 140 — read the official code
“§ 87-2 Keeping of farm animals. It shall be unlawful to keep and maintain within the corporate limits of the City any animals generally considered to be farm animals, except in areas now zoned agricultural and in established stockyards and livestock auctions where such animals are kept for a brief period of time.” source
“The keeping of livestock, fowl and farm animals is not permitted within the City of Hagerstown per the Land Management Code (Chapter 140) of City Code. ... Fowl includes chickens, turkeys, pheasant, partridges, quail, ducks, and geese. Such animals shall not be kept for any reason, including as household pets.” 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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