Can I keep chickens in Starkville, MS?
Yes, with conditions — Starkville allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 5 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 15 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Unified Development Code § 13.9.2(D)(4) (Agriculture and Forestry - Additional Standards), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 5 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Coop setback | 15 ft |
| Coop rules | Must be kept in an enclosed area in the rear of the property; any coop, hutch or structure for housing poultry must be 15 feet from any property line. Roosters prohibited. |
| Code section | Unified Development Code § 13.9.2(D)(4) (Agriculture and Forestry - Additional Standards) |
Starkville permits poultry only in specified zoning districts (RN, SD-2, SD-6, CR, TN-N, TN-E, T-4, S-E, and O with existing use designation). Where allowed, poultry is limited to one hen per 1,000 square feet of yard, not to exceed five hens total, kept enclosed in the rear of the property. Roosters are prohibited and coops must sit 15 feet from any property line.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Starkville?
Yes, with conditions — Starkville allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Unified Development Code § 13.9.2(D)(4) (Agriculture and Forestry - Additional Standards)).
How many chickens can I keep in Starkville?
Up to 5 hens. 1 hen per 1,000 sq ft of lot area, max 5. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Are roosters allowed in Starkville?
No — roosters are prohibited in Starkville.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Starkville?
15 feet minimum. Must be kept in an enclosed area in the rear of the property; any coop, hutch or structure for housing poultry must be 15 feet from any property line. Roosters prohibited.
What law covers backyard chickens in Starkville?
Unified Development Code § 13.9.2(D)(4) (Agriculture and Forestry - Additional Standards). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Unified Development Code § 13.9.2(D)(4) (Agriculture and Forestry - Additional Standards) — read the official code
“poultry is limited to one (1) hen per one thousand (1,000) square feet of yard not to exceed five (5) hens and must be kept in an enclosed area in the rear of the property.” source
“Roosters are not allowed.” source
“Any coop, hutch, or other structure for housing poultry, shall be fifteen (15) feet from any property line.” 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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