Can I keep chickens in Athens, TN?
Yes — Athens allows backyard chickens, up to 12 hens. Coops must be at least 100 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Zoning Ordinance (July 14, 2021 edition), verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 12 |
| Coop setback | 100 ft |
| Coop rules | Up to 12 hens allowed. Chickens must maintain 100-foot setback from property line (proposed reduction to 10 feet). No front-yard placement. |
| Code section | Zoning Ordinance (July 14, 2021 edition) |
Athens allows up to 12 hens in residential areas. Current ordinance requires 100-foot setback from property lines.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Athens?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Athens (Zoning Ordinance (July 14, 2021 edition)).
How many chickens can I keep in Athens?
Up to 12 hens.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Athens?
100 feet minimum. Up to 12 hens allowed. Chickens must maintain 100-foot setback from property line (proposed reduction to 10 feet). No front-yard placement.
What law covers backyard chickens in Athens?
Zoning Ordinance (July 14, 2021 edition). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Zoning Ordinance (July 14, 2021 edition) — read the official code
“Published 9:21 pm Monday, March 24, 2008” source
Last verified July 5, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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