Can I keep chickens in Gastonia, NC?
Yes, with conditions — Gastonia allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 10 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Gastonia City Code Sec. 10-18(e), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 10 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 10,890 sq ft |
| Coop rules | Secure fenced enclosure at all times; coop at least 18 in tall, ventilated, at least 4 sq ft per chicken with a run (10 sq ft without); not in front yard, at least 10 ft from property lines and 50 ft from another residence; total coop+run max 300 sq ft. |
| Code section | Gastonia City Code Sec. 10-18(e) |
Gastonia requires a backyard-chicken permit and a lot of at least one-quarter acre: 5 hens on 0.25-0.5 acre, 10 hens above half an acre; roosters banned. Owners of more than one acre may instead opt into general fowl rules allowing up to 20 fowl per acre with larger setbacks.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Gastonia?
Yes, with conditions — Gastonia allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Gastonia City Code Sec. 10-18(e)).
How many chickens can I keep in Gastonia?
Up to 10 hens. Tiered by lot size: 5 up to 21,780 sq ft; 10 up to 43,560 sq ft. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Gastonia?
Yes — Gastonia requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Gastonia?
No — roosters are prohibited in Gastonia.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Gastonia?
10 feet minimum. Secure fenced enclosure at all times; coop at least 18 in tall, ventilated, at least 4 sq ft per chicken with a run (10 sq ft without); not in front yard, at least 10 ft from property lines and 50 ft from another residence; total coop+run max 300 sq ft.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Gastonia?
Yes — 10,890 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in Gastonia?
Gastonia City Code Sec. 10-18(e). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Gastonia City Code Sec. 10-18(e) — read the official code
“The tract on which the chickens will be kept shall be at least one-fourth of an acre. No roosters shall be allowed. A maximum of five hens shall be permitted on a tract of land that is between one-fourth and one-half acre in size, a maximum of ten hens on a tract of land that is larger than one-half acre.” source
“It shall be unlawful for any person to own, keep, have or maintain any livestock or any chickens, turkeys, ducks, guineas, geese, pheasants, pigeons or other domestic fowl within the city except in accordance with a permit issued pursuant to this section.” 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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