Can I keep chickens in Concord, NC?
Yes, with conditions — Concord allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 15 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 50 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Concord Development Ordinance Sec. 8.3.3.G (TA-02-24, May 2024), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 15 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 50 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 21,780 sq ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Coop and pen required, rear yard only; coop at least 50 ft from adjacent residences/rights-of-way; pen at least 5 ft from lot lines with fencing at least 5 ft high; chickens secured in coop during non-daylight hours; max 2 cu ft stored manure. |
| Code section | Concord Development Ordinance Sec. 8.3.3.G (TA-02-24, May 2024) |
Concord legalized backyard hens in May 2024: single-family detached or manufactured-home lots of at least half an acre, with 5 hens on 0.5-1 acre, 10 on 1-2 acres, and 15 on 2+ acres. Roosters prohibited, no sales, no slaughter in city limits, and a Zoning Clearance Permit is required. Verified from the council adoption text; the consolidated ordinance PDF is not yet republished.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Concord?
Yes, with conditions — Concord allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Concord Development Ordinance Sec. 8.3.3.G (TA-02-24, May 2024)).
How many chickens can I keep in Concord?
Up to 15 hens. Tiered by lot size: 5 up to 43,560 sq ft; 10 up to 87,120 sq ft. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Concord?
Yes — Concord requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Concord?
No — roosters are prohibited in Concord.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Concord?
50 feet minimum. Coop and pen required, rear yard only; coop at least 50 ft from adjacent residences/rights-of-way; pen at least 5 ft from lot lines with fencing at least 5 ft high; chickens secured in coop during non-daylight hours; max 2 cu ft stored manure.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Concord?
Yes — 21,780 sq ft.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Concord?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Concord's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Concord?
Concord Development Ordinance Sec. 8.3.3.G (TA-02-24, May 2024). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Concord Development Ordinance Sec. 8.3.3.G (TA-02-24, May 2024) — read the official code
“It shall be unlawful for any person to keep or harbor any cattle, sheep, goats, domestic fowl, or swine within the corporate limits... except... as permitted under the zoning ordinance.” source
“Up to five (5) total chickens may be kept on a lot that is between one-half acre (0.50 ac) and one acre (1.0 ac) in area; up to ten (10) total chickens may be kept on a lot that is at least one acre (1.0 ac); and, up to fifteen (15) chicken may be kept on a lot that is at least two acres (2.0 ac) or more in area.” 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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