Backyard chickens
The Zoning Division receives many calls, email and service requests regarding the legality of raising chickens or fowl on residential property within Montgomery County.
Mobile coops are restricted by the zoning ordinance to be in the rear yard, 25 feet from a lot line and 100 feet from a dwelling on another lot.
How do I register a complaint?
Complaints can be submitted online thru eComplaints.
Can I have a mobile coop?
Yes, however they are restricted by the zoning ordinance to be in the rear yard, 25 feet from a lot line and 100 feet from a dwelling on another lot.
Zoning information
- The Zoning Ordinance Chapter 59 treats activities associated with what is generally accepted as farming very differently based on the type/zone of a property. There are two categories, “Farming” and “Urban Farming.”
- “Farming” is allowed on properties zoned; Agricultural Reserve, Rural Residential, and Residential Detached (Single Family Home) properties. “Urban Farming” is allowed on all other zones including Residential Townhouse, Residential Multi-Unit, Commercial Residential, Employment, and Industrial properties.
- “Farming” under 59.3.2.6 includes, “breeding, raising, managing, or selling…poultry.” Roosters are allowed in zones, which allow farming under 59.3.2.6.
- “Urban Farming” under 59.3.2.9 is much more limited. The minimum area for an Urban Farm is 2,500 square feet, allowing one (1) fowl allowed per square foot. Roosters are prohibited in Urban Farming.
- The Zoning Ordinance also requires minimum setbacks for chicken coops. They must be in the rear yard, at least 25 feet from any property line, and 100 feet from another home. Properties that cannot meet these setbacks cannot have chicken coops.
- Be sure to check with Animal Control regarding regulations as it pertains to chickens.