Can I keep chickens in Knoxville?
Yes — Knoxville 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 5, Article IV, Section 5-107, verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($25) |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Fenced run required at all times (covered, or 42 in. high with wing-clipped hens); covered predator-resistant henhouse, max 100 sq ft; 2 sq ft/hen coop, 6 sq ft/hen run; 10 ft from abutting property lines; no front yards. |
| Code section | Chapter 5, Article IV, Section 5-107 |
Knoxville permits up to 6 hens for personal use only under annual permit ($25). No front-yard placement.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Knoxville?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Knoxville (Chapter 5, Article IV, Section 5-107).
How many chickens can I keep in Knoxville?
Up to 6 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Knoxville?
Yes — Knoxville requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $25).
Are roosters allowed in Knoxville?
No — roosters are prohibited in Knoxville.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Knoxville?
10 feet minimum. Fenced run required at all times (covered, or 42 in. high with wing-clipped hens); covered predator-resistant henhouse, max 100 sq ft; 2 sq ft/hen coop, 6 sq ft/hen run; 10 ft from abutting property lines; no front yards.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Knoxville?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Knoxville's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Knoxville?
Chapter 5, Article IV, Section 5-107. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Chapter 5, Article IV, Section 5-107 — read the official code
“The fee for an annual permit to keep domesticated hens is twenty-five dollars ($25.00). Up to six (6) hens may be allowed ... Only female hens are allowed. ... Henhouses and enclosures shall not be permitted in front yards.” 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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