Can I keep chickens in Bentonville, AR?
Yes, with conditions — Bentonville allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 4 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 25 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Zoning Code Art. 601, sec. 601.11 (Hobby Chickens), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 4 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Coop setback | 25 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Hen enclosures at least 25 ft from neighboring dwellings, in a rear or side yard; kept neat, sanitary, and regularly cleaned; feed in rodent-proof covered containers. |
| Code section | Zoning Code Art. 601, sec. 601.11 (Hobby Chickens) |
Bentonville's zoning code (sec. 601.11, Hobby Chickens) allows no more than four hens per single-family dwelling in permitted districts, with no birds in multi-family complexes. Roosters and outside slaughter of birds are prohibited. Hen enclosures must sit at least 25 feet from neighboring dwellings in a rear or side yard; these rules do not apply to A-1 zoned areas.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Bentonville?
Yes, with conditions — Bentonville allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Zoning Code Art. 601, sec. 601.11 (Hobby Chickens)).
How many chickens can I keep in Bentonville?
Up to 4 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Are roosters allowed in Bentonville?
No — roosters are prohibited in Bentonville.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Bentonville?
25 feet minimum. Hen enclosures at least 25 ft from neighboring dwellings, in a rear or side yard; kept neat, sanitary, and regularly cleaned; feed in rodent-proof covered containers.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Bentonville?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Bentonville's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Bentonville?
Zoning Code Art. 601, sec. 601.11 (Hobby Chickens). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Zoning Code Art. 601, sec. 601.11 (Hobby Chickens) — read the official code
“Number permitted. No more than four (4) hens shall be allowed for each single-family dwelling. No birds shall be allowed in multi-family complexes.” source
“Roosters prohibited. No roosters shall be allowed.” source
“Placement of enclosures. All hen enclosures shall be placed at least 25 feet from neighboring dwellings and located in a rear or side yard.” source
“Slaughter. There shall be no outside slaughtering of birds.” 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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