Can I keep chickens in Franklin?
Yes, with conditions — Franklin allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. Coops must be at least 1000 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Municipal Code Title 10, §§ 10-101 to 10-105 (Animal Husbandry), verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 1000 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sq ft |
| Coop rules | Pens/enclosures kept clean and sanitary at all times; adequate food, water, shelter and ventilation; feed stored in rat-proof, fly-tight containers; nuisance keeping (noise, odor, disease) prohibited. |
| Code section | Municipal Code Title 10, §§ 10-101 to 10-105 (Animal Husbandry) |
Chickens are conditional in Franklin: keeping fowl within 1,000 ft of any residence, place of business, or public street requires an Animal Husbandry permit issued at the health officer's discretion (routed through Building and Neighborhood Services). No hen cap or fee in the ordinance.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Franklin?
Yes, with conditions — Franklin allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Municipal Code Title 10, §§ 10-101 to 10-105 (Animal Husbandry)).
How many chickens can I keep in Franklin?
It depends on your lot. Health-officer permit under 1,000-ft proximity rule; no fixed cap. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Franklin?
Yes — Franklin requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Franklin?
1000 feet minimum. Pens/enclosures kept clean and sanitary at all times; adequate food, water, shelter and ventilation; feed stored in rat-proof, fly-tight containers; nuisance keeping (noise, odor, disease) prohibited.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Franklin?
Yes — 5,000 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in Franklin?
Municipal Code Title 10, §§ 10-101 to 10-105 (Animal Husbandry). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Municipal Code Title 10, §§ 10-101 to 10-105 (Animal Husbandry) — read the official code
“Sec. 10-102. - Keeping near a residence or business restricted. No person shall keep any animal or fowl enumerated in the preceding section within 1,000 feet of any residence, place of business, or Public Street without a permit from the health officer.” source
Last verified July 4, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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