Can I keep chickens in Liberty, MO?
Yes, with conditions — Liberty allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 6 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 30 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Unified Development Ordinance Ch. 30, Sec. 30-80.1(7), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 30 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Two tiers. Lots <30,000 sq ft (or larger lots that cannot meet the livestock setbacks): up to 6 female hens with a Hen Permit (1-yr, renewable 2 yr, non-transferable); coop/run in rear yard, >=10 ft from property line and >=30 ft from any residential structure not owned by permittee. Lots >=30,000 sq ft: livestock formula (10 fowl per 30,000 sq ft, +10 per additional 20,000) with 100 ft/300 ft setbacks. Roosters/crowing fowl prohibited; hens not raised for slaughter. |
| Code section | Unified Development Ordinance Ch. 30, Sec. 30-80.1(7) |
Liberty allows backyard hens but requires an approved Hen Permit before hens are brought onto a property. On single-family lots smaller than 30,000 square feet, up to six female chickens (no roosters) may be kept, with coops at least 10 ft from property lines and 30 ft from a neighbor's residential structure. Lots of 30,000 square feet or more fall under a livestock formula (10 fowl per 30,000 sq ft, plus 10 per additional 20,000) with larger 100/300-foot setbacks. Hens may not be raised for slaughter, and HOA restrictions still apply.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Liberty?
Yes, with conditions — Liberty allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Unified Development Ordinance Ch. 30, Sec. 30-80.1(7)).
How many chickens can I keep in Liberty?
Up to 6 hens. Lots <30,000 sq ft: up to 6 hens with a Hen Permit (no roosters, no slaughter), coop 10 ft from property line / 30 ft from neighbor residence. Lots >=30,000 sq ft: livestock formula (10 fowl per 30,000 sq ft, +10 per additional 20,000) with 100 ft/300 ft setbacks. Permit fee not stated in code.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Liberty?
Yes — Liberty requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Liberty?
No — roosters are prohibited in Liberty.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Liberty?
30 feet minimum. Two tiers. Lots <30,000 sq ft (or larger lots that cannot meet the livestock setbacks): up to 6 female hens with a Hen Permit (1-yr, renewable 2 yr, non-transferable); coop/run in rear yard, >=10 ft from property line and >=30 ft from any residential structure not owned by permittee. Lots >=30,000 sq ft: livestock formula (10 fowl per 30,000 sq ft, +10 per additional 20,000) with 100 ft/300 ft setbacks. Roosters/crowing fowl prohibited; hens not raised for slaughter.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Liberty?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Liberty's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Liberty?
Unified Development Ordinance Ch. 30, Sec. 30-80.1(7). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Unified Development Ordinance Ch. 30, Sec. 30-80.1(7) — read the official code
“For single-family residential lots smaller than thirty thousand (30,000) square foot [feet] in area, or larger lots which cannot satisfy the setbacks outlined in [section] 30-80.1, up to six (6) female chickens (hens) may be kept” source
“Prior to keeping or housing hens, a person shall first submit an application for a hen permit to the City of Liberty Planning Division. Said permits may be issued for a one-year period and may be renewed for two (2) years.” source
“The keeping of roosters, guinea hens, and any crowing hen or any fowl, is prohibited.” source
“All coops and runs shall be at least ten (10) feet from any property line and at least thirty (30) feet from any residential structure not owned by the permittee.” 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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