Can I keep chickens in Jackson, MS?
Yes, with conditions — Jackson allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. Coops must be at least 100 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Zoning Ordinance (Sept. 20, 2018) §202.11, §601.01, §602.02.2.3; Animal Code §18-10, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 100 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 43,560 sq ft |
| Coop rules | Animal husbandry (incl. poultry) in residential zones is zone-dependent. In R-1 it requires a Special Exception: site of at least one acre, max 2 animals per acre, 100 ft setback from all property lines, Site Plan Review, and a veterinarian letter. R-1E allows it by right at 2 animals/acre on 1+ acre lots. |
| Code section | Zoning Ordinance (Sept. 20, 2018) §202.11, §601.01, §602.02.2.3; Animal Code §18-10 |
Jackson's Animal Chapter 18 is silent on poultry and defers breeding to zoning (Sec. 18-10). The Jackson Zoning Ordinance defines 'Agriculture' to include 'animal and poultry husbandry, but not swine' and treats it as a use governed by each residential district's regulations. In the base R-1 Single-Family district, animal husbandry is allowed only as a Special Exception on sites of at least one acre, capped at two animals per acre, with a 100-foot setback from all property lines, Site Plan Review, and a veterinarian letter; R-1E permits it by right under the same 2-per-acre cap on 1+ acre lots. There is no by-right backyard-hen allowance on a standard residential lot. (A circulated '4 hens, no roosters, R-15/R-20/R-30' claim actually describes Butts County, GEORGIA, not Jackson, MS.)
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Jackson?
Yes, with conditions — Jackson allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Zoning Ordinance (Sept. 20, 2018) §202.11, §601.01, §602.02.2.3; Animal Code §18-10).
How many chickens can I keep in Jackson?
It depends on your lot. No flat cap. In R-1, poultry/animal husbandry requires a Special Exception: site >=1 acre, max 2 animals/acre, 100 ft setback, vet letter. R-1E permits it by right at 2/acre on 1+ acre. Not allowed as-of-right on standard residential lots.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Jackson?
Yes — Jackson requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Jackson?
100 feet minimum. Animal husbandry (incl. poultry) in residential zones is zone-dependent. In R-1 it requires a Special Exception: site of at least one acre, max 2 animals per acre, 100 ft setback from all property lines, Site Plan Review, and a veterinarian letter. R-1E allows it by right at 2 animals/acre on 1+ acre lots.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Jackson?
Yes — 43,560 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in Jackson?
Zoning Ordinance (Sept. 20, 2018) §202.11, §601.01, §602.02.2.3; Animal Code §18-10. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Zoning Ordinance (Sept. 20, 2018) §202.11, §601.01, §602.02.2.3; Animal Code §18-10 — read the official code
“Agriculture: The use of land for agricultural purposes, including tree farming, dairying ... and animal and poultry husbandry, but not swine, and the necessary accessory uses secondary to that of normal agricultural activities. (Sec. 202.11)” source
“It shall be unlawful to keep and maintain animals for breeding purposes within the incorporated limits of the city in violation of the zoning ordinance of the city. (Sec. 18-10)” source
“Dairying and animal husbandry on sites of not less than one (1) acre provided such use does not constitute a nuisance or health hazard. The maximum number of animals per acre shall be two (2) ... minimum setback of one hundred (100) ft. from all adjacent property lines. (Sec. 602.02.2.3)” 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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