Can I keep chickens in Atlanta?
Yes — Atlanta allows backyard chickens, up to 25 hens with no permit required. Coops must be at least 50 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Atlanta Code Sec. 18-7 (Code 1977, Sec. 14-4012; Ord. No. 2002-16), verified August 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 25 |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 50 ft |
| Coop rules | Enclosures must have a solid floor of cement or other washable material unless pens are 75 feet or more from the nearest neighbor's residence or place of business. Chickens and similar fowl require 2 square feet per bird over four months of age, bantams 1 square foot, turkeys 4 square feet. Pens must be 50 feet from any residence other than the owner's and 5 feet from the owner's residence. |
| Code section | Atlanta Code Sec. 18-7 (Code 1977, Sec. 14-4012; Ord. No. 2002-16) |
Atlanta permits chickens and similar fowl as small animals under Sec. 18-7, capped at 25 birds per premises. Pens must be located at least 50 feet from any residence other than the owner's, and each bird over four months old needs 2 square feet of floor space. The section draws no distinction between hens and roosters.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Atlanta?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Atlanta (Atlanta Code Sec. 18-7 (Code 1977, Sec. 14-4012; Ord. No. 2002-16)).
How many chickens can I keep in Atlanta?
Up to 25 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Atlanta?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Atlanta.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Atlanta?
50 feet minimum. Enclosures must have a solid floor of cement or other washable material unless pens are 75 feet or more from the nearest neighbor's residence or place of business. Chickens and similar fowl require 2 square feet per bird over four months of age, bantams 1 square foot, turkeys 4 square feet. Pens must be 50 feet from any residence other than the owner's and 5 feet from the owner's residence.
What law covers backyard chickens in Atlanta?
Atlanta Code Sec. 18-7 (Code 1977, Sec. 14-4012; Ord. No. 2002-16). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Atlanta Code Sec. 18-7 (Code 1977, Sec. 14-4012; Ord. No. 2002-16) — read the official code
“up to 25 hens permitted in residential zones” source
“Small animals, such as dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, turkeys and the like, may be kept within the city limits, subject to the following:” source
“Maximum number. The maximum number of such animals which may be kept on a single premises shall not exceed the following: Dogs, ten. Rabbits or guinea pigs, 75. Turkeys, chickens, bantams or similar fowl, 25.” source
“Pens or yards where such animals and birds are kept shall be placed at the following minimum distances from any residence or business establishment: Distance from any residence, except that of owner, or any business establishment, 50 feet. Distance from owner's residence, five feet.” source
Last verified August 9, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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