Can I keep chickens in Hendersonville?
Yes, with conditions — Hendersonville allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 15 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Zoning Ordinance 2025-19, § 10.4.18 Pets, Poultry, and Other Animals (adopted Oct. 28, 2025), verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 1 per NaN sq ft |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 15 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 1,300 sq ft |
| Coop rules | Fenced in rear yard; located at least 15 ft from all property lines except where adjacent to other such animals. |
| Code section | Zoning Ordinance 2025-19, § 10.4.18 Pets, Poultry, and Other Animals (adopted Oct. 28, 2025) |
Under Hendersonville's new zoning ordinance (2025-19), chickens, ducks, and similar fowl are a residential accessory use in RR, ER, SR-1, SR-2, SR-3, and DN zones: one fowl per 10,000 sq ft of lot area (collective max), fenced in the rear yard, no roosters, 15 ft from all property lines.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Hendersonville?
Yes, with conditions — Hendersonville allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Zoning Ordinance 2025-19, § 10.4.18 Pets, Poultry, and Other Animals (adopted Oct. 28, 2025)).
How many chickens can I keep in Hendersonville?
It depends on your lot. One fowl per 10,000 sq ft of lot area; collective max across all such animals on the lot. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Hendersonville?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Hendersonville.
Are roosters allowed in Hendersonville?
No — roosters are prohibited in Hendersonville.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Hendersonville?
15 feet minimum. Fenced in rear yard; located at least 15 ft from all property lines except where adjacent to other such animals.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Hendersonville?
Yes — 1,300 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in Hendersonville?
Zoning Ordinance 2025-19, § 10.4.18 Pets, Poultry, and Other Animals (adopted Oct. 28, 2025). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Zoning Ordinance 2025-19, § 10.4.18 Pets, Poultry, and Other Animals (adopted Oct. 28, 2025) — read the official code
“Chickens, ducks, and similar fowl are allowed as a residential accessory use in RR, ER, SR-1, SR-2, SR-3 and DN zones under the following conditions: A. One per 10,000 square feet of lot area. B. Shall be fenced in rear yard. C. No roosters. D. Shall be located at least 15 feet from all property lines except where adjacent to other such animals.” 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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