Backyard Chicken Laws — How to Check

Backyard chicken legality is set at the city/municipal level, not the state. Steps to check: 1) Search '[your city] municipal code' on municode.com or your city's website. 2) Look under 'Animals' or 'Zoning'. 3) Most cities allow 3-6 hens but ban roosters. 4) Common restrictions: coop setback from property line (10-25 ft), distance from neighbor dwellings, registration/permit fee. 5) HOAs can ban chickens even where the city allows them — check your covenants. 6) Some cities require coop inspection or annual permits.