In cities where chickens are legal, ordinances limit the types and number of birds you can raise. So the first step to being a responsible chicken owner is learning about your municipality's chicken-keeping rules. With that in mind, you can own backyard chickens in the following North Carolina municipalities.
1. Charlotte, NC
It is legal to own chickens in the City of Charlotte, North Carolina. However, you must obtain a permit before acquiring the chickens. Once you have a permit, you may keep a limited number of chickens, turkeys, ducks, guineas, geese, or pheasants in your backyard. Charlotte's Ordinances allow as many as 20 chickens or other fowl per acre. But that doesn't mean you must have a property of one acre to own chickens, as you're allowed the proportionate amount. For example, if your property is one-half acre, you may keep 10 chickens. Your chicken coop or fenced yard is required to be kept 25 feet away from any property line.
2. Raleigh, NC
The raising of backyard chickens in urban areas is allowed in Raleigh, NC. Per the City's Unified Development Ordinance, 1 chicken is allowed per 1,000 square feet of lot area. However, the maximum number of chickens on any single lot may not exceed 10. The Ordinance says you're not allowed to keep roosters in the city. Your chicken coop or enclosure must be situated at least 25 feet from property lines.
3. Greensboro, NC
In Greensboro, NC, chickens are allowed as an accessory use to single-family detached dwellings in the following districts: R-3, R-5, R-7, RM-5, RM-8, RM-12, and RM-18. Roosters are not allowed, according to the City's Land Development Ordinance. You may keep hens only on a property that is greater than 7,000 square feet in area. Henhouses or structures must be located behind the rear yard and not less than 50 feet from any property line. One hen over 6 months of age is allowed for every 2,000 square feet of lot area, up to a maximum of 20 hens.
4. Durham, NC
The keeping of chickens for personal use is permitted in all districts within the City of Durham, NC. The City's municipal code allows 10 chickens per lot, regardless of the number of dwelling units on the lot. The city code allows only hens but there is no restriction on chicken breeds. You're not allowed to sell eggs or chicken manure. All chicken coops must be located at least 15 feet from any property line while chicken pens must be located at least 5 feet from any property line or right-of-way.
5. Winston-Salem, NC
You may have up to 5 chickens, excluding roosters, in your backyard in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. According to the City's chicken-keeping ordinance, hens must be kept in a coop attached to an enclosed run. The coop must provide at least 3 square feet of floor area per hen while the enclosed run must provide at least 10 square feet of run area per hen. These structures may not be located closer than 20 feet from any adjacent property line. You're allowed to slaughter hens for personal use on your property, but you must do so in a sanitary manner and away from prying eyes.
6. Fayetteville, NC
You may keep up to 10 female chickens in your backyard within the city of Fayetteville, NC. According to the Cumberland County Code, you must keep your henhouse or enclosure in a sanitary manner. On the bright side, you don't need a permit to keep hens in Fayetteville, NC.
7. Cary, NC
In the Town of Cary, you don't need a permit to own chickens in the R-80 and R-40 zoning districts. However, you need an Accessory Use Permit to own up to 5 chickens in the following zoning districts: R-20, R-12, R-8, TR, PDD, MXD, TC-MDR, TC-LDR and TC-LDR-12. Roosters, however, are not allowed in any zoning district. The minimum lot size requirement for the keeping of chickens is 6,000 square feet. Per the Town's Planning Department, hens may only be kept in single-family detached dwelling units. Chicken coops, pens, and tractors must be located in rear yards and at least 15 feet from side and rear property lines.
8. Wilmington, NC
A permit is required to keep backyard chickens in Wilmington, NC. In addition, a lot consisting of at least 15,000 square feet under single ownership is required. According to the Wilmington Code, chickens are only allowed in single-family residential zoning districts. A maximum of 5 female chickens is allowed per property owner. Hens must be contained in a secure fenced enclosure, which must provide at least 10 square feet of area for each hen. Your fenced enclosure must not be situated within 25 feet of another residence or 10 feet of any property line.
9. High Point, NC
The keeping of backyard chickens in High Point, NC, is limited to hens, roosters are prohibited. No more than 5 hens may be kept per dwelling house. The keeping of chicken hens is not permitted for any multifamily dwelling structures, according to the city's website.
10. Asheville, NC
The keeping of chickens is allowed in Asheville, NC, but a license is required to do so. You may keep hens only, as roosters are expressly prohibited by the City Code. As a license holder, you're required to keep your henhouse in a clean, sanitary, and healthful condition. The number of hens you can keep depends on the size and furnishings of your henhouse and run.
