Can I keep chickens in Canton, GA?
No — Canton does not allow backyard chickens in residential zones. (Canton Code Secs. 14-5, 14-6; Development Code Secs. 104.03.26(A), 102.03.02 (Table 102-4), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | No |
|---|---|
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Coop rules | Not applicable - fowl are defined as livestock and livestock is prohibited in all residential zones; poultry-keeping is not a listed use in the zoning use table (unlisted uses are prohibited). |
| Code section | Canton Code Secs. 14-5, 14-6; Development Code Secs. 104.03.26(A), 102.03.02 (Table 102-4) |
Within Canton city limits chickens are effectively prohibited in residential zones: the code defines fowl as livestock, zoning bars livestock in any residential zone, and poultry-keeping is not a listed use in the land-use table. The earlier Cherokee-County-rules claim was wrong - city zoning controls keeping. Verified against current code (June 2026).
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Canton?
No — chickens are not allowed in Canton (Canton Code Secs. 14-5, 14-6; Development Code Secs. 104.03.26(A), 102.03.02 (Table 102-4)).
Are roosters allowed in Canton?
No — roosters are prohibited in Canton.
What law covers backyard chickens in Canton?
Canton Code Secs. 14-5, 14-6; Development Code Secs. 104.03.26(A), 102.03.02 (Table 102-4). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Canton Code Secs. 14-5, 14-6; Development Code Secs. 104.03.26(A), 102.03.02 (Table 102-4) — read the official code
“Keeping of animals. No livestock shall be kept or maintained in any residential zone except that for each dwelling unit the occupant may keep for his personal use domestic pets (dogs, cats, and horses, etc.)” source
“Livestock means and includes horses, cows, goats, pigs, or any other hoofed animal used for pleasure or profit. Fowl and rabbits are expressly included within this definition.” source
Last verified June 13, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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