1. Charleston, SC
It is legal to keep backyard chickens in Charleston, South Carolina. However, according to the Charleston Animal Society, you must not keep your chickens within 150 feet of any dwelling other than yours. There is an exception, however, provided you obtain written permission from all residents and owners of dwellings within 150 feet of your yours.
2. Columbia, SC
The raising of backyard chickens is permitted in Columbia, South Carolina. On a single premise, you may keep up to 4 chickens, excluding roosters. However, you're required to obtain a zoning permit from the Planning & Development Services Department before acquiring the hens. You must confine your hens to a coop connected to a run.
The coop must provide at least 2 square feet of floor area per hen. The run, on the other hand, is required to provide at least 9 square feet of floor area per hen. The City's chicken-keeping ordinance prohibits the raising of backyard chickens for commercial purposes. This means you must not sell chickens or eggs laid by your chickens.
3. North Charleston, SC
A permit or license isn't required to keep backyard chickens in North Charleston, SC. However, the City Code requires that you maintain your chicken coop or enclosure in such condition that it does not constitute a public nuisance or a menace to public health. Upon becoming aware of the death of any of your chickens, you're required to swiftly dispose of the carcass in a lawful and sanitary manner. Aside from chickens, it's also legal to own ducks, geese, and turkeys in North Charleston.
4. Mount Pleasant, SC
In Mount Pleasant, SC, you may keep chickens, turkeys, ducks, guineas, geese, pheasants, or pigeons in your backyard, as long as they don't disturb the peace of nearby residents. The Town's municipal code prohibits the keeping of chickens or other legal birds in a coop or enclosure less than 18 inches in height.
5. Greenville, SC
Under limited conditions, you may keep up to 15 chickens, ducks, pigeons, or doves in your backyard in Greenville, SC. The Greenville City Code requires your chicken coop to be of suitable construction and size for the number of chickens kept in it. Additionally, you're required to clean your chicken coop of all manure and other wastes at least twice each week. Furthermore, your coop must not be situated closer than 80 feet from any parcel or property line not owned by you.
6. Summerville, SC
In Summerville, SC, you may legally keep chickens, ducks, and geese in your backyard. The Town Code does not restrict the number or type of chickens you can own. However, it does prohibit you from permitting your birds to be at large within the municipality, except on your property.
7. Goose Creek, SC
Chickens are legal in Goose Creek, SC, but a permit is required to keep them in your backyard. Per the City Code, chickens are only allowed on single-family residential properties. If you're a renter of a single-family residential property, you must obtain the property owner's consent to keep chickens on the premises. Roosters and the selling of eggs laid by hens are prohibited within the city limits. A maximum of 4 hens is allowed per parcel, regardless of lot size.
8. Greer, SC
The City of Greer allows no more than 6 female chickens per promise. Prior to keeping the hens, you must obtain a permit and written consent of adjoining neighbors. However, people living in duplexes or apartment complexes are not eligible for the chicken-keeping permit, according to the City Code.
9. Sumter, SC
In Sumter, SC, female chickens may be kept only in single-family lot residential zoning or agricultural zoning districts. It is intended to enable residents in such districts to keep a limited number of laying hens for personal use. The City Code allows as many as 12 hens per property in those districts. The keeping of hens is not allowed in other multi-family residential settings, at a duplex or apartment complex, or in any non-agricultural zoning or non-residential district.
10. Spartanburg, SC
The City of Spartanburg allows its residents to keep a limited number of laying hens on their property. According to the city's website, up to 6 female chickens are allowed per residence. Hens must be kept in a fully enclosed coop located at least 50 feet from any neighboring residence. An annual permit and written permission from all abutting property owners must be obtained to keep laying hens.
