Can I keep chickens in Mount Pleasant?
Yes, with conditions — Mount Pleasant allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. Coops must be at least 500 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Title 10, § 10-102 Keeping near a residence or business restricted (Ord. #2013-962, Sept. 2013), verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 500 ft |
| Coop rules | Pens/enclosures maintained clean and sanitary at all times (§10-103); feed stored in rat-proof, fly-tight containers (§10-104); no running at large (§10-101). |
| Code section | Title 10, § 10-102 Keeping near a residence or business restricted (Ord. #2013-962, Sept. 2013) |
Mount Pleasant prohibits keeping chickens or other fowl within 500 ft of any residence, place of business, or public street without a discretionary permit from the city code administration officer (public-health judgment, revocable, appealable to the BZA). No hen cap in code.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Mount Pleasant?
Yes, with conditions — Mount Pleasant allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Title 10, § 10-102 Keeping near a residence or business restricted (Ord. #2013-962, Sept. 2013)).
How many chickens can I keep in Mount Pleasant?
It depends on your lot. Permit within 500 ft of residence/business/street; no fixed cap. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Mount Pleasant?
Yes — Mount Pleasant requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Mount Pleasant?
500 feet minimum. Pens/enclosures maintained clean and sanitary at all times (§10-103); feed stored in rat-proof, fly-tight containers (§10-104); no running at large (§10-101).
What law covers backyard chickens in Mount Pleasant?
Title 10, § 10-102 Keeping near a residence or business restricted (Ord. #2013-962, Sept. 2013). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Title 10, § 10-102 Keeping near a residence or business restricted (Ord. #2013-962, Sept. 2013) — read the official code
“No person shall keep any animal or fowl enumerated in the preceding section within 500 feet of any residence, place of business, or public street, without a permit from the city code administration officer.” 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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