Can I keep chickens in Spartanburg, SC?
Yes, with conditions — Spartanburg allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 6 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 50 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Sec. 6-14, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 50 ft |
| Coop rules | Coop fully enclosed with solid floor, washable material, cleaned regularly with droppings in flyproof container; ventilated, predator- and rodent-resistant; in the backyard. |
| Code section | Sec. 6-14 |
Spartanburg allows up to six hens (no roosters) per residence non-commercially; prohibited at duplexes and apartment complexes. An annual permit is required and cannot be issued without written consent of all abutting property owners; the coop must be 50 ft from the nearest other residence.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Spartanburg?
Yes, with conditions — Spartanburg allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Sec. 6-14).
How many chickens can I keep in Spartanburg?
Up to 6 hens. Flat max of 6 hens, but requires an annual permit, written consent of all abutting property owners, and is prohibited at duplexes/apartment complexes.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Spartanburg?
Yes — Spartanburg requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Spartanburg?
No — roosters are prohibited in Spartanburg.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Spartanburg?
50 feet minimum. Coop fully enclosed with solid floor, washable material, cleaned regularly with droppings in flyproof container; ventilated, predator- and rodent-resistant; in the backyard.
What law covers backyard chickens in Spartanburg?
Sec. 6-14. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Sec. 6-14 — read the official code
“No more than six domesticated female chickens shall be kept or maintained on a single premises. It shall be unlawful to keep roosters or more than six domesticated female chickens. It shall be unlawful to keep or maintain domesticated female chickens at a duplex or apartment complex.” source
“It shall be unlawful to keep domesticated female chickens on-premises within the city without first obtaining an approval of the location of the chicken coop and the issuance of an annual permit... No permit shall be issued without the written consent of abutting property owners.” source
“located at least 50 feet from the nearest residence other than that of the owner” 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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