Can I keep chickens in Savannah, GA?
Yes — Savannah allows backyard chickens, up to 30 hens with no permit required. Coops must be at least 25 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Savannah Code Part 9 (Offenses), Ch. 5 (Animals), Sec. 9-5045 (Chickens) and Sec. 9-5048 (Slaughter of animals), adopted 2020 via the Chatham County Animal Control Ordinance of 2019, verified August 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 30 |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 25 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 1,000 sq ft |
| Home slaughter | Allowed with restrictions |
| Coop rules | One chicken per 1,000 square feet of high ground, hard cap of 30. A city building permit is required for any coop or shelter of 120 square feet or larger. Habitat setback from neighboring living quarters is 25 feet for up to 10 birds and 50 feet for more than 10, waivable with the adjoining neighbor's written permission, which must be renewed if the neighbor changes. Tethering chickens or other fowl is prohibited. Housing must be well drained, free of excrement accumulation and objectionable odors, with potable water provided. |
| Code section | Savannah Code Part 9 (Offenses), Ch. 5 (Animals), Sec. 9-5045 (Chickens) and Sec. 9-5048 (Slaughter of animals), adopted 2020 via the Chatham County Animal Control Ordinance of 2019 |
Savannah allows backyard chickens on a lot-area formula: one bird per 1,000 square feet of high ground, capped at 30, above which it becomes a poultry farm subject to zoning. No keeping permit is required, but a building permit is needed for a coop of 120 square feet or more. Coops must sit 25 feet from a neighbor's living quarters, 50 feet if you keep more than 10 birds, and that distance can be waived in writing by the affected neighbor.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Savannah?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Savannah (Savannah Code Part 9 (Offenses), Ch. 5 (Animals), Sec. 9-5045 (Chickens) and Sec. 9-5048 (Slaughter of animals), adopted 2020 via the Chatham County Animal Control Ordinance of 2019).
How many chickens can I keep in Savannah?
Up to 30 hens. 1 hen per 1,000 sq ft of lot area, max 30.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Savannah?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Savannah.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Savannah?
25 feet minimum. One chicken per 1,000 square feet of high ground, hard cap of 30. A city building permit is required for any coop or shelter of 120 square feet or larger. Habitat setback from neighboring living quarters is 25 feet for up to 10 birds and 50 feet for more than 10, waivable with the adjoining neighbor's written permission, which must be renewed if the neighbor changes. Tethering chickens or other fowl is prohibited. Housing must be well drained, free of excrement accumulation and objectionable odors, with potable water provided.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Savannah?
Yes — 1,000 sq ft.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Savannah?
Yes, with restrictions — see the city's rules in Savannah Code Part 9 (Offenses), Ch. 5 (Animals), Sec. 9-5045 (Chickens) and Sec. 9-5048 (Slaughter of animals), adopted 2020 via the Chatham County Animal Control Ordinance of 2019.
What law covers backyard chickens in Savannah?
Savannah Code Part 9 (Offenses), Ch. 5 (Animals), Sec. 9-5045 (Chickens) and Sec. 9-5048 (Slaughter of animals), adopted 2020 via the Chatham County Animal Control Ordinance of 2019. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Savannah Code Part 9 (Offenses), Ch. 5 (Animals), Sec. 9-5045 (Chickens) and Sec. 9-5048 (Slaughter of animals), adopted 2020 via the Chatham County Animal Control Ordinance of 2019 — read the official code
“One chicken per 1,000 square feet of high ground shall be permitted; provided, however, that the maximum number of allowable chickens shall be 30.” source
“Chickens. Chickens kept for personal, non-commercial purposes may be permitted provided the following requirements are met: (a) Number of chickens. One chicken per 1,000 square feet of high ground shall be permitted; provided, however, that the maximum number of allowable chickens shall be 30. More than 30 chickens shall constitute a poultry farm and must meet all zoning and other regulations.” source
“Building permit. A city building permit is required for any coop or shelter in 120 square feet or larger.” source
“Up to ten birds: 25 feet; More than ten birds: 50 feet.” 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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