Can I keep chickens in Goose Creek, SC?
Yes, with conditions — Goose Creek allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 4 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 5 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Sec. 90.16, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 4 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 5 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Coop >=18 in high, 2 sq ft/hen, connected pen (9-20 sq ft for 1-4 birds); coop/pen max 6 ft high, fully enclosed predator-proof; backyard only, screened, >=5 ft from any property line; building permit required. |
| Code section | Sec. 90.16 |
Goose Creek allows hens (no roosters) on single-family residential property only, at one chicken per 2,500 sq ft of lot with a hard cap of four regardless of lot size. An approved annual application, inspection, fee, and building permit are required. Commercial keeping/egg sales and on-premises slaughter are prohibited.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Goose Creek?
Yes, with conditions — Goose Creek allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Sec. 90.16).
How many chickens can I keep in Goose Creek?
Up to 4 hens. 1 hen per 2,500 sq ft of lot area, max 4. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Goose Creek?
Yes — Goose Creek requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Goose Creek?
No — roosters are prohibited in Goose Creek.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Goose Creek?
5 feet minimum. Coop >=18 in high, 2 sq ft/hen, connected pen (9-20 sq ft for 1-4 birds); coop/pen max 6 ft high, fully enclosed predator-proof; backyard only, screened, >=5 ft from any property line; building permit required.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Goose Creek?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Goose Creek's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Goose Creek?
Sec. 90.16. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Sec. 90.16 — read the official code
“One chicken per 2,500 square feet is allowed per parcel, with a total maximum of four chickens allowed per parcel regardless of lot size. Roosters are prohibited.” source
“No person shall keep hens on his or her premises within the city without first obtaining a completed and approved application (renewable annually) along with an annual compliance inspection and payment of a fee as set by the City Council.” source
“Pens, coops, and enclosures shall be at least five feet from any property line. The structure shall require a permit to be issued by the city.” source
“No person shall slaughter hens on the premises.” 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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