Can I keep chickens in Greensboro, NC?
Yes, with conditions — Greensboro allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 20 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 50 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (30-8-11.3B, verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 20 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 50 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 7,000 sq ft |
| Coop rules | Coops/shelters must be 50 feet from all property lines on large lots (>12k sqft), 25 feet on small lots. Minimum 7,000 sq ft lot required. |
| Code section | 30-8-11.3B |
Greensboro permits chickens on properties 7,000+ sq ft with zone-dependent limits: 4 hens on 7k-12k sq ft lots (25 ft setback), 20 hens on 12k+ sq ft lots (50 ft setback).
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Greensboro?
Yes, with conditions — Greensboro allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (30-8-11.3B).
How many chickens can I keep in Greensboro?
Up to 20 hens. Tiered by lot size: 0 up to 7,000 sq ft; 4 up to 12,000 sq ft. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Greensboro?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Greensboro.
Are roosters allowed in Greensboro?
No — roosters are prohibited in Greensboro.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Greensboro?
50 feet minimum. Coops/shelters must be 50 feet from all property lines on large lots (>12k sqft), 25 feet on small lots. Minimum 7,000 sq ft lot required.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Greensboro?
Yes — 7,000 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in Greensboro?
30-8-11.3B. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
30-8-11.3B — read the official code
“The City of Greensboro allows residents to keep chickens and other poultry on residential property.” source
Last verified July 26, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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