Can I keep chickens in Johnson City, TN?
Yes, with conditions — Johnson City allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. Coops must be at least 1000 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Title 10, Section 10-112, verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 1000 ft |
| Coop rules | Chickens only permitted in A-1 Agricultural District or with health officer approval. 1000 feet distance from any residence or place of business required. |
| Code section | Title 10, Section 10-112 |
Johnson City restricts chickens to A-1 Agricultural zoned areas or requires 1000 feet setback from residences with health officer approval. De facto prohibition in residential areas.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Johnson City?
Yes, with conditions — Johnson City allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Title 10, Section 10-112).
How many chickens can I keep in Johnson City?
It depends on your lot. Only in A-1 Agricultural District or with health officer approval. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Johnson City?
Yes — Johnson City requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Johnson City?
1000 feet minimum. Chickens only permitted in A-1 Agricultural District or with health officer approval. 1000 feet distance from any residence or place of business required.
What law covers backyard chickens in Johnson City?
Title 10, Section 10-112. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Title 10, Section 10-112 — 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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