Can I keep chickens in Owensboro, KY?
Yes, with conditions — Owensboro allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 6 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Owensboro Code of Ordinances Ch. 4 (Animals and Fowl), Art. I, Sec. 4-5 (keeping), Sec. 4-8 (permit) (Ord. No. 15-2025, 9-16-2025), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($25) |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Coop rules | Backyard of single-family detached residential property only. Coop must be covered, predator-proof, ventilated, odor-free, at least 3 sq ft per chicken, 10 ft from property lines and 40 ft from any adjacent residence or business not owned by the keeper; feed in rodent-proof containers. |
| Code section | Owensboro Code of Ordinances Ch. 4 (Animals and Fowl), Art. I, Sec. 4-5 (keeping), Sec. 4-8 (permit) (Ord. No. 15-2025, 9-16-2025) |
Owensboro overturned its long-standing chicken ban with an ordinance adopted September 16, 2025. Residents may keep up to six female chickens for non-commercial use in the backyard of single-family detached homes; roosters and other fowl are prohibited. A $25 permit from the Department of Public Works is required, and coops must be 10 ft from property lines and 40 ft from neighboring residences with at least 3 sq ft per bird.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Owensboro?
Yes, with conditions — Owensboro allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Owensboro Code of Ordinances Ch. 4 (Animals and Fowl), Art. I, Sec. 4-5 (keeping), Sec. 4-8 (permit) (Ord. No. 15-2025, 9-16-2025)).
How many chickens can I keep in Owensboro?
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 Owensboro?
Yes — Owensboro requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $25).
Are roosters allowed in Owensboro?
No — roosters are prohibited in Owensboro.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Owensboro?
10 feet minimum. Backyard of single-family detached residential property only. Coop must be covered, predator-proof, ventilated, odor-free, at least 3 sq ft per chicken, 10 ft from property lines and 40 ft from any adjacent residence or business not owned by the keeper; feed in rodent-proof containers.
What law covers backyard chickens in Owensboro?
Owensboro Code of Ordinances Ch. 4 (Animals and Fowl), Art. I, Sec. 4-5 (keeping), Sec. 4-8 (permit) (Ord. No. 15-2025, 9-16-2025). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Owensboro Code of Ordinances Ch. 4 (Animals and Fowl), Art. I, Sec. 4-5 (keeping), Sec. 4-8 (permit) (Ord. No. 15-2025, 9-16-2025) — read the official code
“Chickens may only be kept in the backyard of property that is zoned... for single-family detached residential and includes a single-family residential structure.” source
“Six (6) or fewer female chickens may be kept within the city limits for non-commercial purposes... No roosters or fowl other than female chickens shall be kept within the city limits.” source
“It shall be unlawful for any person to keep chickens without first obtaining a permit from the Department of Public Works... The cost of the permit shall be twenty-five dollars ($25.00).” source
“Ten (10) feet from the nearest boundary or property line... and Forty (40) feet from an adjacent residential structure or business not owned or occupied by the person keeping chickens.” source
Last verified June 14, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
Reach people actively researching backyard chickens in their city. Founding sponsor slots now open.
Apply to become a sponsor →