Can I keep chickens in Rockville, MD?
Yes — Rockville allows backyard chickens, up to 5 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 5 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (City of Rockville Animal Control Code (Chapter 3), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 5 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($25) |
| Coop setback | 5 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Single-family homes only (not townhouses or multi-family). Coop must provide at least 2 sq ft per chicken and access to an outdoor enclosure. Enclosure must be at least 5 feet from property boundary. Written notification to all adjacent neighbors required before permit submission. |
| Code section | City of Rockville Animal Control Code (Chapter 3) |
Rockville permits up to 5 female chickens at single-family homes (not townhouses or multi-family). A $25 permit is required from the Police Department, neighbors must be notified in writing, and the coop enclosure must be at least 5 feet from the property line. Roosters and slaughter are not permitted.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Rockville?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Rockville (City of Rockville Animal Control Code (Chapter 3)).
How many chickens can I keep in Rockville?
Up to 5 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Rockville?
Yes — Rockville requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $25).
Are roosters allowed in Rockville?
No — roosters are prohibited in Rockville.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Rockville?
5 feet minimum. Single-family homes only (not townhouses or multi-family). Coop must provide at least 2 sq ft per chicken and access to an outdoor enclosure. Enclosure must be at least 5 feet from property boundary. Written notification to all adjacent neighbors required before permit submission.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Rockville?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Rockville's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Rockville?
City of Rockville Animal Control Code (Chapter 3). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
City of Rockville Animal Control Code (Chapter 3) — read the official code
“Residents of single-family homes in Rockville may keep up to five female chickens for personal use, but must obtain a permit first. Chickens are not permitted at townhouses or for slaughter. Roosters are not permitted. ... The enclosure must be located at least five feet from the property boundary. ... Pay the $25 permit fee by check or money order made payable to the City of Rockville.” 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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