Can I keep chickens in Jackson?
Yes, with conditions — Jackson allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 6 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 100 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Title 10, § 10-211 Keeping of domesticated poultry/chickens (Ord. #2023-24.1, May 2023); §§ 10-201—10-203, verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 100 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Fenced enclosure at all times (covered or 42+ in. high); covered predator-resistant henhouse, enclosed all sides with locking door; 2 sq ft/hen henhouse, 6 sq ft/hen enclosure; openings covered with predator-resistant wire under 1 in.; 100 ft from any abutting property line; no front yards; food in weather-resistant containers; manure composted without runoff or bagged. |
| Code section | Title 10, § 10-211 Keeping of domesticated poultry/chickens (Ord. #2023-24.1, May 2023); §§ 10-201—10-203 |
Jackson allows up to 6 hens on single-family properties with private yards (multi-family prohibited), but the henhouse and enclosure must be at least 100 ft from any abutting property line, and §10-202 requires health-officer approval for poultry within 1,000 ft of any adjacent residence or business, with no approval allowed within 250 ft of a property line of a residence or business. Effectively limits keeping to large lots.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Jackson?
Yes, with conditions — Jackson allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Title 10, § 10-211 Keeping of domesticated poultry/chickens (Ord. #2023-24.1, May 2023); §§ 10-201—10-203).
How many chickens can I keep in Jackson?
Up to 6 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Jackson?
Yes — Jackson requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Jackson?
No — roosters are prohibited in Jackson.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Jackson?
100 feet minimum. Fenced enclosure at all times (covered or 42+ in. high); covered predator-resistant henhouse, enclosed all sides with locking door; 2 sq ft/hen henhouse, 6 sq ft/hen enclosure; openings covered with predator-resistant wire under 1 in.; 100 ft from any abutting property line; no front yards; food in weather-resistant containers; manure composted without runoff or bagged.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Jackson?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Jackson's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Jackson?
Title 10, § 10-211 Keeping of domesticated poultry/chickens (Ord. #2023-24.1, May 2023); §§ 10-201—10-203. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Title 10, § 10-211 Keeping of domesticated poultry/chickens (Ord. #2023-24.1, May 2023); §§ 10-201—10-203 — read the official code
“Up to six (6) domesticated chickens may be allowed on single family properties with privately-owned, individual yards. ... Only domesticated female chickens, (hereinafter "hens"), are allowed. ... Neither the henhouse nor the fenced enclosure may be located less than one hundred linear feet (100') from any abutting property line.” source
“No animals, fowls or poultry described in § 10-201, shall be kept within a distance of one thousand linear feet (1,000') of any adjacent residence, place of business, industry or establishment within the city, without a permit issued by the health officer. ... In no case will the health officer approve the keeping of chickens within two hundred fifty linear feet (250') of any property line of a residence, place of business, industry, or establishment” 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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