Can I keep chickens in University City, MO?
Yes, with conditions — University City allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 7 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited. (Municipal Code Sec. 210.030 (Chickens; Permit Required), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 7 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($25) |
| Coop rules | Chickens confined in a coop/enclosure; 1 chicken per 4 sq ft indoor and per 10 sq ft outdoor, max 7. Coop must be at least 1.5 ft from any property line (or 10 ft from adjacent residential dwellings if a solid fence prevents passage of birds/waste). Single-family use only; biennial inspection ($25 fee). |
| Code section | Municipal Code Sec. 210.030 (Chickens; Permit Required) |
University City prohibits keeping chickens unless the resident obtains a chicken permit; roosters are never permitted. A permit costs a $25 non-refundable application fee, allows up to 7 hens on a single platted lot or group of contiguous lots, expires after two years, and is not available for two-family or multi-family properties. Coops must be kept at least 1.5 feet from property lines (or 10 feet from adjacent dwellings where a solid fence is used) and are inspected biennially.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in University City?
Yes, with conditions — University City allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Municipal Code Sec. 210.030 (Chickens; Permit Required)).
How many chickens can I keep in University City?
Up to 7 hens. 1 hen per 0.1 sq ft of lot area, max 7. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in University City?
Yes — University City requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $25).
Are roosters allowed in University City?
No — roosters are prohibited in University City.
What law covers backyard chickens in University City?
Municipal Code Sec. 210.030 (Chickens; Permit Required). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Municipal Code Sec. 210.030 (Chickens; Permit Required) — read the official code
“No permit shall be issued for more than seven (7) hen chickens on any platted lot or group of contiguous lots, parcels, or tracts of land, and no permit shall be issued for a rooster.” source
“An application for a chicken permit shall be submitted... accompanied by a non-refundable application fee in the amount of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) payable to the City.” source
“It shall be unlawful for any person to keep, maintain or allow to remain upon any lot, tract or parcel of ground within the City a chicken, unless a permit to do so is issued as provided in this Section...” source
“All coops or enclosures shall not be closer than one and five-tenths (1.5) feet to any property line except when there is a solid-surface fence... in which case all coops and cages shall not be closer than ten (10) feet to all residential dwellings on adjacent parcels.” source
Last verified June 13, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
Reach people actively researching backyard chickens in their city. Founding sponsor slots now open.
Apply to become a sponsor →