Can I keep chickens in Alpharetta?
Yes — Alpharetta allows backyard chickens, up to 6 hens. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 25 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Alpharetta Unified Development Code Sec. 2.3.3 (Accessory uses and structures), item 9 (Ord. No. 833, Sec. 1(Exh. A), 7-26-2021), verified August 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Coop setback | 25 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 43,560 sq ft |
| Coop rules | Allowed only on lots of at least 1 acre containing a single-family detached dwelling. The coop and run must be at least 25 feet from the rear and side property lines and may not exceed 9 feet in height. No chickens are permitted within undisturbed water buffers, wetlands, or regulated floodplain. |
| Code section | Alpharetta Unified Development Code Sec. 2.3.3 (Accessory uses and structures), item 9 (Ord. No. 833, Sec. 1(Exh. A), 7-26-2021) |
Alpharetta allows up to 6 backyard chickens as an accessory use, but only on lots of at least one acre with a single-family detached house. Roosters are prohibited, and the coop and run must sit at least 25 feet from the rear and side property lines and stay under 9 feet tall.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Alpharetta?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Alpharetta (Alpharetta Unified Development Code Sec. 2.3.3 (Accessory uses and structures), item 9 (Ord. No. 833, Sec. 1(Exh. A), 7-26-2021)).
How many chickens can I keep in Alpharetta?
Up to 6 hens.
Are roosters allowed in Alpharetta?
No — roosters are prohibited in Alpharetta.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Alpharetta?
25 feet minimum. Allowed only on lots of at least 1 acre containing a single-family detached dwelling. The coop and run must be at least 25 feet from the rear and side property lines and may not exceed 9 feet in height. No chickens are permitted within undisturbed water buffers, wetlands, or regulated floodplain.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Alpharetta?
Yes — 43,560 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in Alpharetta?
Alpharetta Unified Development Code Sec. 2.3.3 (Accessory uses and structures), item 9 (Ord. No. 833, Sec. 1(Exh. A), 7-26-2021). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Alpharetta Unified Development Code Sec. 2.3.3 (Accessory uses and structures), item 9 (Ord. No. 833, Sec. 1(Exh. A), 7-26-2021) — read the official code
“6 chickens maximum with 1 acre minimum” source
“Backyard chickens on minimum 1-acre properties with a single-family detached dwelling, limited to no more than 6 chickens and no roosters allowed. Associated structures (chicken coop, run, etc.) shall maintain a minimum 25 foot setback from the rear and side property lines. Chicken coop and run shall not exceed 9 feet in height. No chickens shall be permitted within any undisturbed water buffers, wetlands, or regulated floodplain. (Ord. No. 833, Sec. 1(Exh. A), 7-26-2021)” source
Last verified August 16, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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