Can I keep chickens in Clinton, MS?
Yes, with conditions — Clinton allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 2 hens where permitted). Coops must be at least 150 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Code of Ordinances ch. 14, art. II, § 14-35 (with § 14-34 livestock), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 2 |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 150 ft |
| Coop rules | Fowl must be confined to the owner's property (no roaming). More than 2 fowl require a 150-ft property-line setback or a special permit. |
| Code section | Code of Ordinances ch. 14, art. II, § 14-35 (with § 14-34 livestock) |
Clinton permits up to two fowl (chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, pigeons or guineas) on a residential lot with no permit. Keeping more than two requires either a 150-foot setback from every adjoining property line or a special permit from the city. Fowl may not roam off the owner's property; no rooster ban or slaughter rule appears in the code.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Clinton?
Yes, with conditions — Clinton allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Code of Ordinances ch. 14, art. II, § 14-35 (with § 14-34 livestock)).
How many chickens can I keep in Clinton?
Up to 2 hens. Up to 2 fowl allowed outright; more than 2 only with a 150-ft adjoining-property-line setback OR a special city permit. No numeric cap above that.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Clinton?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Clinton.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Clinton?
150 feet minimum. Fowl must be confined to the owner's property (no roaming). More than 2 fowl require a 150-ft property-line setback or a special permit.
What law covers backyard chickens in Clinton?
Code of Ordinances ch. 14, art. II, § 14-35 (with § 14-34 livestock). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Code of Ordinances ch. 14, art. II, § 14-35 (with § 14-34 livestock) — read the official code
“No person shall keep more than two fowl such as chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, pigeons or guineas, except when 150 feet from any property line adjoining that on which the fowl are kept, or except by special permit issued by the city or designated agency of the city.” source
Last verified June 14, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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