Can I keep chickens in Nashville?
Yes, with conditions — Nashville allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 6 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 25 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Metro Code § 8.12.020, verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($25) |
| Coop setback | 25 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Predator-proof enclosure with covered henhouse plus fenced run; 2 sq ft/hen in henhouse, 6 sq ft/bird in run; side/rear yard only, screened from right-of-way; at least 25 ft from any other residential structure and 10 ft from any property line. |
| Code section | Metro Code § 8.12.020 |
Nashville allows 2-6 hens depending on lot size. Annual permit required ($25). Roosters prohibited.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Nashville?
Yes, with conditions — Nashville allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Metro Code § 8.12.020).
How many chickens can I keep in Nashville?
Up to 6 hens. Tiered by lot size: 2 up to 5,009 sq ft; 4 up to 10,236 sq ft. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Nashville?
Yes — Nashville requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $25).
Are roosters allowed in Nashville?
No — roosters are prohibited in Nashville.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Nashville?
25 feet minimum. Predator-proof enclosure with covered henhouse plus fenced run; 2 sq ft/hen in henhouse, 6 sq ft/bird in run; side/rear yard only, screened from right-of-way; at least 25 ft from any other residential structure and 10 ft from any property line.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Nashville?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Nashville's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Nashville?
Metro Code § 8.12.020. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Metro Code § 8.12.020 — read the official code
“No roosters. No breeding or slaughtering of domesticated hens. ... For lots of up to 5,009 square feet (up to .11 acre), TWO domesticated hens are allowed. ... For lots of 10,237 square feet or more (.24 acre or larger), up to SIX domesticated hens are allowed. ... The annual fee is $25.” source
Last verified July 26, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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