Can I keep chickens in Brentwood, TN?
Yes, with conditions — Brentwood allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 150 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Chapter 10 - Animals, Sec. 10-4, verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 150 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 130,680 sq ft |
| Coop rules | Chickens allowed with zoning restrictions. No roosters. Setback, proximity, noise, and sanitation restrictions apply. |
| Code section | Chapter 10 - Animals, Sec. 10-4 |
Chickens are prohibited on any lot under 3 acres. Since typical Brentwood residential lots are far smaller, chickens are effectively banned for most residents. Only a legacy pre-2005 BZA special exception (renewed every 2 years, neighbor consent required) allows smaller lots. Where permitted, animal structures must be 150 ft from all residences.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Brentwood?
Yes, with conditions — Brentwood allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Chapter 10 - Animals, Sec. 10-4).
How many chickens can I keep in Brentwood?
It depends on your lot. Requires minimum 3-acre (130,680 sqft) lot to keep chickens at all; only exception is a pre-9/1/2005 Board of Zoning Appeals special exception on smaller lots, renewable every 2 years with consent of all neighbors within 300 ft. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Brentwood?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Brentwood.
Are roosters allowed in Brentwood?
No — roosters are prohibited in Brentwood.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Brentwood?
150 feet minimum. Chickens allowed with zoning restrictions. No roosters. Setback, proximity, noise, and sanitation restrictions apply.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Brentwood?
Yes — 130,680 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in Brentwood?
Chapter 10 - Animals, Sec. 10-4. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Chapter 10 - Animals, Sec. 10-4 — read the official code
“it shall be unlawful for any person to keep within the city any livestock or fowl...on any lot less than three acres” 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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