Can I keep chickens in Athens, AL?
No — Athens does not allow backyard chickens in residential zones. (Code of Ordinances Ch. 10, Sec. 10-15 (Ord. No. 2018-2057), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | No |
|---|---|
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Coop rules | Keeping fowl unlawful within city limits except in connection with a zoning-compliant industrial processing facility, a zoning-compliant farm, a public park, or a police-chief-approved educational/entertainment use of no more than two days. |
| Code section | Code of Ordinances Ch. 10, Sec. 10-15 (Ord. No. 2018-2057) |
Athens prohibits keeping fowl within the city limits except in narrow cases: a zoning-compliant industrial processing facility, a zoning-compliant farm, a public park, or a police-chief-approved educational/entertainment display lasting no more than two days. Ordinary backyard chicken-keeping is not allowed.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Athens?
No — chickens are not allowed in Athens (Code of Ordinances Ch. 10, Sec. 10-15 (Ord. No. 2018-2057)).
Are roosters allowed in Athens?
No — roosters are prohibited in Athens.
What law covers backyard chickens in Athens?
Code of Ordinances Ch. 10, Sec. 10-15 (Ord. No. 2018-2057). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Code of Ordinances Ch. 10, Sec. 10-15 (Ord. No. 2018-2057) — read the official code
“It shall be unlawful for any person to keep, confine, harbor, allow to remain, or permit to be kept fowl (chickens, ducks, geese, or other domestic fowl) within the city limits unless the fowl are used in connection with (i) an industrial processing facility in compliance with the city's zoning laws, (ii) a farm in compliance with the city's zoning laws, (iii) any public park, or (iv) a function, demonstration, or presentation with an educational or entertainment purpose of not longer than two days in duration where such use is preapproved by the police chief or his designee.” source
Last verified June 14, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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