Urban chicken keeping as pets or for egg production is becoming increasingly popular in the U.S. However, not every U.S. city allows residents to engage in this practice. In the state of Georgia, it is legal to own chickens in some cities, but it is not in many. Therefore, if you're considering having backyard chickens in Georgia, make sure it is legal where you live.
To determine if chickens are allowed in your area, you may contact your local animal control office. Alternatively, you can give your city clerk's office a friendly call or search for your municipality's animal code of ordinances online. This is to make sure you're in compliance with all regulations, zoning, and permit requirements. Meanwhile, below are a few Georgia municipalities that permit property owners to own backyard chickens.
1. Atlanta, GA
In the city of Atlanta, you can have up to 75 backyard chickens depending on where you live and the size of your property. Aside from chickens, the keeping of turkeys, geese, ducks, pigeons, or similar fowl is also permitted in Atlanta. However, the City Code requires that you keep your chickens in a coop and in such a manner as to not constitute a nuisance. Chicken coops must provide at least 4 square feet of ground space per chicken and be located 25 feet from neighboring dwellings.
2. Augusta, GA
You can have backyard chickens in the City of Augusta, GA, so long as your neighbors are OK with it. However, if you live in an HOA community, you might not be able to have chickens and in most cases, HOAs do not allow it. You may also need to obtain a permit from the Board of Health to build a chicken coop or pen in your backyard. Per the City Code, you must prevent your chickens from running at large or straying upon the public roads of Augusta-Richmond County. Although it isn't specifically prohibited, it is advisable to not keep a rooster.
3. Columbus, GA
If you're a property owner in Columbus, GA, you can obtain a permit to have chickens in your backyard. According to the City Code, a maximum of 32 chickens is allowed per one acre. Aside from chickens, you can also have backyard ducks, turkeys, and geese in Columbus, GA. Your chicken coop must not emit noise or odor detrimental to neighboring property owners.
4. Macon-Bibb County, GA
The City of Macon allows property owners to own chickens as well as ducks, geese, and other domestic fowl. However, before acquiring any chickens, you must obtain a permit from the director. Before you are issued the permit, law enforcement agents will investigate your property and determine that such a practice will not constitute a public nuisance. If you obtain the express approval of the director, you must keep your chickens in a secure enclosure and not allow them to run at large. For additional info, visit the Macon-Bibb County's code of ordinances.
5. Savannah, GA
Chicken keeping for personal, noncommercial purposes is allowed within the City of Savannah, GA, provided certain requirements are met. One chicken is allowed per 1000 square feet of high ground. You can have up to a maximum of 30 backyard chickens, depending on the size of your property. A Building Permit is required for chicken coops that are 120 square feet or larger in size.
The minimum setback of chicken coops from neighboring residences is determined by the number of chickens. For example, if you own 10 chickens, your chicken coop must be located 25 feet from neighboring residences. This setback requirement may be waived, provided you obtain written permission from your neighbor. You need a parcel of two acres or more to keep peafowl, guinea fowl, ducks, geese, roosters, and turkeys in Savannah, GA.
6. Athens-Clarke County, GA
The keeping of backyard chickens for personal use is allowed in all zoning districts within Athens-Clarke County, GA. Per Chapter 9-15 of the Code of Athens-Clarke County, a maximum of six chickens is allowed per parcel. Chicken products mustn't be sold on the property and roosters are prohibited. All chicken coops must be located in the rear yard and at least 20 feet from residential structures on neighboring parcels.
7. South Fulton, GA
The city of South Fulton allows residents to keep chickens as well as turkeys, geese, ducks, pigeons, or similar fowl in their backyards. However, there are specific rules that need to be adhered to. Per the City Code, chickens must be kept 100 from any occupied building, except the dwelling unit of the owner. Each chicken must be provided with at least 4 square feet of floor or ground area in the enclosure wherein it is kept. Except you live in an area zoned for agriculture, the maximum number of chickens you can have is limited to 75. Chickens must not be kept in unsanitary conditions and must not be allowed to run at large.
8. Sandy Springs, GA
Up to 75 chickens are allowed per property and more in areas zoned for agriculture within the City of Sandy Springs, GA. According to the City's municipal code, chickens must be kept at a minimum distance of 25 feet from any occupied building except the dwelling unit of the owner. In addition, all chicken coops must provide at least 4 square feet of floor space for each chicken.
9. Roswell, GA
Backyard chicken keeping is legal in Roswell, GA, and the number of chickens allowed is based on the size of the property. In residential zoning districts, a maximum of 12 chickens is allowed per property greater than an acre. On properties less than an acre, no more than 6 chickens are allowed. The keeping of chickens is not allowed on properties less than 0.33 acres. A total maximum of 36 chickens is allowed per single-family detached residence. According to the city's website, chicken keeping must be conducted in such a manner as to not disturb the use or enjoyment of adjacent properties.
10. Johns Creek, GA
In Johns Creek, GA, chicken owners are required by ordinance to keep their birds 100 feet away from neighboring residences. The maximum number of chickens that can be kept on any single premises is restricted to 75. The city's municipal code requires that each chicken be provided with at least 4 square feet of ground space in the enclosure in which it is kept.
Conclusion
In the state of Georgia, many municipalities allow backyard chickens, but some do not. Even in cities where chicken keeping is permitted, homeowners associations may prohibit it. So, before bringing any chicken to your backyard, be sure to check with your city or HOA.
