Can I keep chickens in Germantown?
Yes, with conditions — Germantown allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. (Zoning Ch. 23, § 23-127 (AG district use regulations); Animal code Ch. 5, § 5-3(e), verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Permit required | No |
| Coop rules | No coop standards in city code; chickens/poultry may not go at large to the damage or annoyance of residents (§5-3(e)). |
| Code section | Zoning Ch. 23, § 23-127 (AG district use regulations); Animal code Ch. 5, § 5-3(e) |
Germantown permits raising poultry as an agricultural activity only in the AG agricultural district, where agricultural uses require a 5-acre minimum lot. Residential district use regulations do not list poultry keeping. The animal code sets no hen cap or permit but prohibits poultry going at large.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Germantown?
Yes, with conditions — Germantown allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Zoning Ch. 23, § 23-127 (AG district use regulations); Animal code Ch. 5, § 5-3(e)).
How many chickens can I keep in Germantown?
It depends on your lot. Poultry raising is an AG-district use (5-acre min); not a listed use in residential districts. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Germantown?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Germantown.
What law covers backyard chickens in Germantown?
Zoning Ch. 23, § 23-127 (AG district use regulations); Animal code Ch. 5, § 5-3(e). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Zoning Ch. 23, § 23-127 (AG district use regulations); Animal code Ch. 5, § 5-3(e) — read the official code
“Within the districts designated as AG agricultural districts, the following activities are permitted: ... Agricultural activities such as, but not limited to, growing vegetables, fruit, trees and grain; raising poultry, horses, cattle, sheep or other farm animals” source
“It shall be unlawful for any person owning, keeping, harboring or possessing any cats, rabbits, horses, goats, hogs, sheep, cattle or other animals, chickens, ducks, geese or any other birds or poultry, to permit or allow such animals to go at large any time within the limits of the city, to the damage or annoyance of any of the residents of the city.” source
“The minimum lot area in the AG district shall be as follows: (1) Agricultural activities: five acres.” 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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