Can I keep chickens in Dayton?
Yes, with conditions — Dayton allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. (Code of Ordinances Ch. 91 (Animals), Sec. 91.18 and 91.20, verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Coop rules | Chapter 91 sets no coop or setback rules for chickens. The 5-acre farm and 200-ft setback framework in Sec. 91.18 applies to cattle, sheep, goats, and swine, not poultry. Sec. 91.20 prohibits running at large. |
| Code section | Code of Ordinances Ch. 91 (Animals), Sec. 91.18 and 91.20 |
The Dayton animal code (Chapter 91) does not prohibit backyard chickens. Sec. 91.18 bars only cattle, sheep, goats, and swine within city limits; Sec. 91.20 requires that chickens and other animals not run at large. No hen cap, permit, coop, or setback requirement is specified in the animal code. Keeping is subject to nuisance and noise rules. Residential zoning was not separately verified this pass.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Dayton?
Yes, with conditions — Dayton allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Code of Ordinances Ch. 91 (Animals), Sec. 91.18 and 91.20).
How many chickens can I keep in Dayton?
It depends on your lot. Animal code does not prohibit hens or set a cap; zoning not separately confirmed. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
What law covers backyard chickens in Dayton?
Code of Ordinances Ch. 91 (Animals), Sec. 91.18 and 91.20. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Code of Ordinances Ch. 91 (Animals), Sec. 91.18 and 91.20 — read the official code
“Sec. 91.18: It is declared to be a nuisance and unlawful for any person ... to harbor, pasture, keep or otherwise maintain any cattle, sheep, goats or swine within the corporate limits of the city” source
“No owner or custodian shall permit any cattle, horse, mule, swine, sheep, goat, geese, ducks, chickens or any other animal to run at large within the city” source
Last verified July 6, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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