Can I keep chickens in Frederick, MD?
Yes — Frederick allows backyard chickens, up to 6 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Chapter 3 - Animals, Code of Ordinances (City of Frederick), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($50) |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 2,500 sq ft |
| Coop rules | Coop required; no higher than 6 feet; predator-proof with shade and ventilation; property must be fenced OR chickens confined to a run; single-family detached or duplex only (no townhomes or condos); coop inspected before chickens are obtained. |
| Code section | Chapter 3 - Animals, Code of Ordinances (City of Frederick) |
The City of Frederick allows up to 6 hens on single-family detached or duplex lots of at least 2,500 sq ft, at a rate of 1 hen per 500 sq ft. Roosters are not permitted. A $50 Backyard Chicken License and coop inspection are required, and chickens must also be registered with the Maryland Department of Agriculture.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Frederick?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Frederick (Chapter 3 - Animals, Code of Ordinances (City of Frederick)).
How many chickens can I keep in Frederick?
Up to 6 hens. 1 hen per 500 sq ft of lot area, max 6.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Frederick?
Yes — Frederick requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $50).
Are roosters allowed in Frederick?
No — roosters are prohibited in Frederick.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Frederick?
10 feet minimum. Coop required; no higher than 6 feet; predator-proof with shade and ventilation; property must be fenced OR chickens confined to a run; single-family detached or duplex only (no townhomes or condos); coop inspected before chickens are obtained.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Frederick?
Yes — 2,500 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in Frederick?
Chapter 3 - Animals, Code of Ordinances (City of Frederick). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Chapter 3 - Animals, Code of Ordinances (City of Frederick) — read the official code
“One chicken for every 500 square feet of yard space, with a maximum of six (6) chickens ... 10 feet off of any property line ... No higher than 6 feet ... There is a $50 fee for the Backyard Chicken License ... Roos are not allowed by law.” source
“For every 500 square feet, you can have 1 chicken, up to 6 in total. No roosters. The City of Frederick has the same rules as the County.” source
Last verified June 15, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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