In the state of Indiana, the keeping of backyard chickens is allowed in some cities but is prohibited in many. Indiana has no statewide law regarding the keeping of chickens. However, each municipality has the authority to either prohibit or allow chickens within their limits. This means that whether or not you can own chickens in Indiana depends on the municipality in which you live and the rules there.
Then again, there are Homeowners Association laws. That means even if your city allows chickens your HOA may prohibit it. If you live within a HOA community, that is. Therefore, if you are considering raising backyard chickens in Indiana, it's important to check with your city to determine whether or not it is legal. Alternatively, you can search online for your local animal-keeping laws or contact your local animal control office. In the meantime, check out these top Indiana municipalities that permit backyard chickens.
1. Indianapolis, IN
In 2016, Indianapolis updated its zoning code, limiting each household to 12 hens and one rooster. According to WTHR, the rooster must always be kept inside an enclosed coop to quiet the crowing. Urban chicken farming, as per WTHR, has exploded with more than a thousand "urban chicken farmers" on the north side of Indianapolis alone. Nonetheless, it is a good idea to contact the Marion County Clerk's Office to find out if there are new rules on chickens.
2. South Bend, IN
The keeping of backyard chickens in residentially zoned districts is permitted within the city limits of South Bend, IN. However, the city requires that residents obtain a Chicken Permit beforehand. Under the permit, roosters are not allowed. And there is a limit of 6 female chickens per single-family dwelling. The keeping of chickens isn't permitted in multi-family dwellings. Chicken coops and pens are required to be situated behind the residential structure. Additionally, they must be a minimum of 15 feet from any property line and 20 feet from any residential dwelling. You must provide pictures of both your coop and pen when applying for the permit.
3. Carmel, IN
You can legally own backyard chickens in the city of Carmel, IN. According to the city's website, up to 6 chickens are allowed per property but roosters are prohibited. You must confine your hens within a chicken tractor, coop, or similar Accessory Building. Properties with any rooster or with more than 6 hens will be considered a Farm.
4. Bloomington, IN
The City of Bloomington allows residents to keep chickens within the city limits. However, minimal restrictions are in place to foster harmony between neighbors. To begin with, you are required to obtain a permit from Animal Care and Control before acquiring your birds. No more than 5 hens and no roosters are allowed under the permit. Once you are approved for a permit, your chicken coop and run must be located at least 20 feet from neighboring residences and 12 feet from the property line of any neighboring lot. For more details, please visit the city of Bloomington's website.
5. Gary, IN
The keeping of both chickens and pigeons is legal in Gary, IN. However, the city's municipal code prohibits keeping chickens within 200 feet of the dwelling house of another person. Additionally, you must prevent your chickens or pigeons from running at large within the corporate limits of the city.
6. Terre Haute, IN
The city of Terre Haute passed an ordinance in 2019, allowing chickens within the city limits. However, according to WTWO/WAWV, a two-year license is required to keep chickens. Under the license, chickens can be raised on lots exceeding 4800 square feet. Additionally, all chicken coops must be located 5 feet away from property lines and 20 feet away from neighboring residences. Property owners can only have a maximum of 8 chickens, excluding roosters.
7. Columbus, IN
Property owners in Columbus, IN, are permitted to keep no more than 4 hens in their backyards. Roosters are prohibited within the city limits and so is the sale of chickens. This means that backyard chickens must be kept for personal use only. Your chicken coop, which can be attached to a chicken run, must be located in the rear yard of your property. Additionally, it must provide 4 square feet of living space for each chicken kept therein, according to the city code.
8. Jeffersonville, IN
The keeping of chickens for noncommercial purposes is allowed in the R1, R2, and R3 districts of Jeffersonville, IN. According to the Jeffersonville Zoning Ordinance, a maximum of 8 chickens is allowed per property. Chicken coops must be located 10 feet from all property lines and in the rear yard.
9. Mishawaka, IN
The keeping of backyard chickens is growing in popularity in Mishawaka, Indiana, although hens are currently not allowed on typical city lots. According to Sec. 14-9 of the city's municipal code, a minimum of 5 acres of land is required to keep chickens, roosters, geese, turkeys, ducks, or other fowl. In addition, chicken coops must not be located closer than 50 feet from adjoining property lines.
10. Lawrence, IN
In the City of Lawrence, Indiana, a permit is required for the keeping of backyard chickens. This chicken-keeping permit can be obtained through the Department of Public Works of the City of Lawrence. The initial fee for the permit is $75 and the renewal fee is $50. Written consent of all adjacent property owners is also required. Under the permit, your chicken coop must be located at least 15 feet from any adjacent neighbor's property line.
