Can I keep chickens in Dunwoody, GA?
Yes, with conditions — Dunwoody allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 6 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 35 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Dunwoody Code Sec. 27-176 (Ch. 27 Zoning Ordinance, Art. III, Div. 3 - Accessory Uses), Chickens in single-family residence districts, verified August 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 35 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 10,000 sq ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | A Backyard Chicken Permit and a conceptual site plan are required. Coops are allowed in the rear yard only, may not exceed 6 feet in height or 40 square feet of footprint, and must provide at least 2 square feet per chicken. Runs may not exceed 100 square feet and must provide at least 5 square feet per chicken. Coops and runs must be at least 35 feet from the rear property line, 15 feet from side property lines, and 20 feet from corner side lot lines. Feed must be stored in predator-proof containers. |
| Code section | Dunwoody Code Sec. 27-176 (Ch. 27 Zoning Ordinance, Art. III, Div. 3 - Accessory Uses), Chickens in single-family residence districts |
Dunwoody allows hens only, in single-family residence districts, and only on lots of at least 10,000 square feet. A city Backyard Chicken Permit is required and the coop must sit in the rear yard at least 35 feet off the rear line and 15 feet off the sides. Roosters, other poultry, on-site slaughter, and commercial sale of eggs or birds are all prohibited.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Dunwoody?
Yes, with conditions — Dunwoody allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Dunwoody Code Sec. 27-176 (Ch. 27 Zoning Ordinance, Art. III, Div. 3 - Accessory Uses), Chickens in single-family residence districts).
How many chickens can I keep in Dunwoody?
Up to 6 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Dunwoody?
Yes — Dunwoody requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Dunwoody?
No — roosters are prohibited in Dunwoody.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Dunwoody?
35 feet minimum. A Backyard Chicken Permit and a conceptual site plan are required. Coops are allowed in the rear yard only, may not exceed 6 feet in height or 40 square feet of footprint, and must provide at least 2 square feet per chicken. Runs may not exceed 100 square feet and must provide at least 5 square feet per chicken. Coops and runs must be at least 35 feet from the rear property line, 15 feet from side property lines, and 20 feet from corner side lot lines. Feed must be stored in predator-proof containers.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Dunwoody?
Yes — 10,000 sq ft.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Dunwoody?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Dunwoody's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Dunwoody?
Dunwoody Code Sec. 27-176 (Ch. 27 Zoning Ordinance, Art. III, Div. 3 - Accessory Uses), Chickens in single-family residence districts. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Dunwoody Code Sec. 27-176 (Ch. 27 Zoning Ordinance, Art. III, Div. 3 - Accessory Uses), Chickens in single-family residence districts — read the official code
“Coops cannot exceed six feet in height or forty square feet in total footprint. Applicant must provide at least two square feet per chicken. Runs cannot exceed one hundred square feet. Runs must provide at least five square feet per chicken.” source
“No more than six chickens shall be kept on any lot in the City of Dunwoody.” source
“No chickens may be kept on lots under 10,000 square feet.” source
“BACKYARD CHICKEN PERMIT APPLICATION. Applicant must always be in compliance with Section 27-176 of the City of Dunwoody Code of Ordinances.” 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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