Can I keep chickens in Apex, NC?
Yes — Apex allows backyard chickens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited. (Apex Code ch. 4, Secs. 4-2, 4-3, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | No numeric cap |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop rules | No coop-specific standards in the animal code; chickens must be kept under restraint (on the owner's property or within a secure enclosure). General accessory-structure zoning rules may apply to coop placement. |
| Code section | Apex Code ch. 4, Secs. 4-2, 4-3 |
Apex prohibits livestock and male chickens but expressly exempts other fowl, so hens are allowed in town limits with no numeric cap, permit, or coop setback. General restraint and nuisance rules apply, and HOA covenants commonly restrict chickens even where the town does not.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Apex?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Apex (Apex Code ch. 4, Secs. 4-2, 4-3).
How many chickens can I keep in Apex?
Apex sets no numeric cap on hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Apex?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Apex.
Are roosters allowed in Apex?
No — roosters are prohibited in Apex.
What law covers backyard chickens in Apex?
Apex Code ch. 4, Secs. 4-2, 4-3. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Apex Code ch. 4, Secs. 4-2, 4-3 — read the official code
“Exemptions. The following animals are exempt from this section: (1) Horses; (2) Ponies; (3) Rabbits; and (4) Fowl except male chickens.” source
“Livestock and male chickens. The keeping of livestock or male chickens is prohibited within the corporate limits of the town.” source
Last verified June 12, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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