Can I keep chickens in Atlanta?
Yes — Atlanta allows backyard chickens, up to 25 hens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 25 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Ord. 2017-30, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 25 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 25 ft |
| Code section | Ord. 2017-30 |
Atlanta allows up to 25 backyard hens with no roosters permitted. A 25-foot setback from property lines is required.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Atlanta?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Atlanta (Ord. 2017-30).
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.
Are roosters allowed in Atlanta?
No — roosters are prohibited in Atlanta.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Atlanta?
25 feet minimum.
What law covers backyard chickens in Atlanta?
Ord. 2017-30. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Ord. 2017-30 — read the official code
“up to 25 hens permitted in residential zones” source
Last verified June 12, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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