Can I keep chickens in Ballwin, MO?
Yes, with conditions — Ballwin allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. (Code of Ordinances Ch. 5, Sec. 5-1, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Permit required | No |
| Minimum lot size | 87,120 sq ft |
| Coop rules | Chickens (and other fowl/livestock) may only be kept in an enclosed area on a tract of land of two or more acres; effectively prohibited on standard residential lots. A proposed 2015 hen amendment for smaller lots was not adopted. |
| Code section | Code of Ordinances Ch. 5, Sec. 5-1 |
Ballwin's animal code lists chickens among the animals that may not be kept within the city unless they are in an enclosed area on a tract of land of two or more acres (about 87,120 sq ft). A 2015 proposal to allow up to four backyard hens on smaller residential lots was introduced but not adopted, so on typical residential lots chickens remain prohibited. Keeping is therefore conditional on having a 2+ acre tract.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Ballwin?
Yes, with conditions — Ballwin allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Code of Ordinances Ch. 5, Sec. 5-1).
How many chickens can I keep in Ballwin?
It depends on your lot. Chickens allowed only on tracts of 2+ acres (~87,120 sq ft); no numeric hen cap stated for qualifying tracts. Prohibited on standard residential lots; 2015 small-lot hen amendment was not adopted.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Ballwin?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Ballwin.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Ballwin?
Yes — 87,120 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in Ballwin?
Code of Ordinances Ch. 5, Sec. 5-1. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Code of Ordinances Ch. 5, Sec. 5-1 — read the official code
“...no person shall keep, raise, harbor, water or offer for sale any cattle, cow, bull, hog, horse, mule, jennet pony, donkey, sheep, pig, goat, chicken, goose, duck, turkey, rabbit, skunk, raccoon or any other domestic or wild animal or fowl within the city, unless such animal or fowl are kept in an enclosed area on a tract of land of two or more acres in size.” source
Last verified June 13, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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