Can I keep chickens in Laurel, MD?
No — Laurel does not allow backyard chickens in residential zones. (ULDC § 20-6.14(d)(1), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | No |
|---|---|
| Code section | ULDC § 20-6.14(d)(1) |
Laurel's Unified Land Development Code explicitly excludes fowl and poultry from the definition of permitted household pets in residential zones. The ULDC § 20-6.14(d)(1) lists permitted garden and pet uses but states they do not include fowl or poultry. No separate chicken ordinance exists in the codified code.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Laurel?
No — chickens are not allowed in Laurel (ULDC § 20-6.14(d)(1)).
What law covers backyard chickens in Laurel?
ULDC § 20-6.14(d)(1). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
ULDC § 20-6.14(d)(1) — read the official code
“household pets shall be construed to include dogs, cats, canaries, parakeets and other kindred animals and fish usually and ordinarily kept as household pets. As used herein it shall not be construed to include horses, ponies, mules, asses, donkeys, cows, bulls, steer, heifer, sheep, goat, ewe, rabbits, ram, swine, fowl or poultry, pigeons or doves or other domesticated animals.” 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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