Can I keep chickens in Kansas City, MO?
Yes — Kansas City allows backyard chickens, up to 15 hens with no permit required. Coops must be at least 25 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Code of Ordinances Sec. 14-15 (Ord. 110479), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 15 |
| Roosters | Allowed with conditions |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 25 ft |
| Coop rules | Coop/pen must be 100 ft from any building used by humans other than the keeper's dwelling, and at least 25 ft from the property line. Fully enclosed; fly-tight covered manure receptacle; kept clean. A no-fee special exception can waive the 100-ft rule with signed neighbor consents. |
| Code section | Code of Ordinances Sec. 14-15 (Ord. 110479) |
Kansas City allows up to 15 chickens or other domestic fowl (4 months or older) per residence, plus up to 50 birds under 4 months. Coops must be 100 ft from any building used by humans other than the keeper's dwelling and 25 ft from the property line; a no-fee special exception can waive the 100-ft distance with signed neighbor consents. Roosters that crow are barred within 300 ft of any residence except the keeper's.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Kansas City?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Kansas City (Code of Ordinances Sec. 14-15 (Ord. 110479)).
How many chickens can I keep in Kansas City?
Up to 15 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Kansas City?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Kansas City.
Are roosters allowed in Kansas City?
Yes, with conditions — see Kansas City's rules (Code of Ordinances Sec. 14-15 (Ord. 110479)).
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Kansas City?
25 feet minimum. Coop/pen must be 100 ft from any building used by humans other than the keeper's dwelling, and at least 25 ft from the property line. Fully enclosed; fly-tight covered manure receptacle; kept clean. A no-fee special exception can waive the 100-ft rule with signed neighbor consents.
What law covers backyard chickens in Kansas City?
Code of Ordinances Sec. 14-15 (Ord. 110479). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Code of Ordinances Sec. 14-15 (Ord. 110479) — read the official code
“it shall be unlawful for any person to keep or maintain, within 100 feet of the nearest portion of any dwelling or other building occupied by or in any way used by human beings except for a dwelling occupied by the owner or keeper of such animals, more than 15 chickens or other domestic fowl four months or more of age or 50 chicks or other domestic fowl under four months of age” source
“No rooster which crows shall be kept within 300 feet of any residence or dwelling except that of the owner or keeper.” source
“closer than 100 feet to the nearest portion of any building occupied by or in any way used by human beings, other than the dwelling occupied by the owner or keeper of the animals or fowl, or closer than 25 feet to the property line” 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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