Can I keep chickens in Smyrna, TN?
Yes, with conditions — Smyrna allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. Coops must be at least 1000 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Title 10, § 10-102 Keeping near a residence or business restricted (2007 Code, 2017 update), verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 1000 ft |
| Coop rules | Pens/enclosures maintained clean and sanitary (§10-103); adequate food, water, shelter, ventilation; feed in rat-proof, fly-tight containers (§10-104); nuisance keeping prohibited (§10-105). |
| Code section | Title 10, § 10-102 Keeping near a residence or business restricted (2007 Code, 2017 update) |
Smyrna prohibits keeping chickens or other fowl within 1,000 ft of any residence, place of business, or public street — with no permit path — which effectively bars backyard chickens on residential lots. Exempt: lots zoned agricultural of at least 5 acres, or lawful existing farming operations under the zoning ordinance.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Smyrna?
Yes, with conditions — Smyrna allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Title 10, § 10-102 Keeping near a residence or business restricted (2007 Code, 2017 update)).
How many chickens can I keep in Smyrna?
It depends on your lot. No fowl within 1,000 ft of residence/business/street; ag-zoned 5+ acre exemption. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Smyrna?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Smyrna.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Smyrna?
1000 feet minimum. Pens/enclosures maintained clean and sanitary (§10-103); adequate food, water, shelter, ventilation; feed in rat-proof, fly-tight containers (§10-104); nuisance keeping prohibited (§10-105).
What law covers backyard chickens in Smyrna?
Title 10, § 10-102 Keeping near a residence or business restricted (2007 Code, 2017 update). 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 (2007 Code, 2017 update) — read the official code
“No person shall keep or allow any animal or fowl enumerated in the preceding section to come within 1,000 feet of any residence, place of business, or public street. The above provision shall not apply to lots zoned for agricultural use, provided the lot is at least five acres in size or to lots primarily used for farming operations existing properly under the provisions of the town's zoning ordinance.” source
“Data-type correction: hen_formula.type was "prohibited_residential" (not a valid calculator type). Row is already allowed=conditional (residential prohibition with a 5-acre ag exemption) → "conditional". No substantive change to the verified ordinance summary.” source
Last verified July 19, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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