Can I keep chickens in Florence, SC?
Yes, with conditions — Florence allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 6 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 5 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (UDO Sec. 1-2.7.7 (use table) & Sec. 1-2.8.7.F, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 5 ft |
| Coop rules | Coops/cages/enclosures limited to interior side or rear yard, set back >=5 ft from property lines; no animals in street side yards (UDO Sec. 1-2.8.7.F.1). |
| Code section | UDO Sec. 1-2.7.7 (use table) & Sec. 1-2.8.7.F |
City of Florence, SC UDO: 'Animal Keeping' is a Conditional Use in residential districts (RE, RS, RG, RU, NC, CR) and Permitted in AR. Standards: one animal per 1,000 sq ft of lot, max 6 total; roosters, geese and turkeys prohibited; coops in interior side/rear yard set back >=5 ft. Conditional-use approval functions as the permit.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Florence?
Yes, with conditions — Florence allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (UDO Sec. 1-2.7.7 (use table) & Sec. 1-2.8.7.F).
How many chickens can I keep in Florence?
Up to 6 hens. 1 hen per 1,000 sq ft of lot area, max 6. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Florence?
Yes — Florence requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Florence?
No — roosters are prohibited in Florence.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Florence?
5 feet minimum. Coops/cages/enclosures limited to interior side or rear yard, set back >=5 ft from property lines; no animals in street side yards (UDO Sec. 1-2.8.7.F.1).
What law covers backyard chickens in Florence?
UDO Sec. 1-2.7.7 (use table) & Sec. 1-2.8.7.F. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
UDO Sec. 1-2.7.7 (use table) & Sec. 1-2.8.7.F — read the official code
“In residential zoning districts, animals are limited only to chickens, ducks, rabbits, or other similar animals... No more than one animal is permitted per 1,000 square feet of lot area, in no case exceeding six such animals on any single lot; (Sec. 1-2.8.7.F.1.a)” source
“Specifically, roosters, geese and turkeys are prohibited; (Sec. 1-2.8.7.F.1.b)” source
“Coops, cages or enclosures shall be limited to the interior side or rear yard and shall be setback at least five feet from property lines; (Sec. 1-2.8.7.F.1.c)” source
Last verified June 13, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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