Can I keep chickens in Gallatin, TN?
Yes — Gallatin allows backyard chickens, up to 6 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Chapter 4 - Animals, verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($75) |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Hens must be kept in fenced enclosure (covered or 42 inches high). Covered, predator-resistant henhouse required. Minimum 2 sq ft per hen in henhouse, 6 sq ft per hen in enclosure. |
| Code section | Chapter 4 - Animals |
Gallatin allows up to 6 female chickens only. Roosters prohibited. Annual license $25, building permit $50. 10-foot setback from property lines. Personal use only.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Gallatin?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Gallatin (Chapter 4 - Animals).
How many chickens can I keep in Gallatin?
Up to 6 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Gallatin?
Yes — Gallatin requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $75).
Are roosters allowed in Gallatin?
No — roosters are prohibited in Gallatin.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Gallatin?
10 feet minimum. Hens must be kept in fenced enclosure (covered or 42 inches high). Covered, predator-resistant henhouse required. Minimum 2 sq ft per hen in henhouse, 6 sq ft per hen in enclosure.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Gallatin?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Gallatin's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Gallatin?
Chapter 4 - Animals. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Chapter 4 - Animals — read the official code
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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