Can I keep chickens in Chesterfield, MO?
Yes, with conditions — Chesterfield allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. (Section 205.150, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Minimum lot size | 87,120 sq ft |
| Coop rules | Chickens (a 'farm animal') may only be kept in an enclosed area on a tract of at least 2 acres. Grandfather exception: properties between 1 and 2 acres that kept fowl as of Feb 2, 2009 may continue. Animals must be confined and not run at large. |
| Code section | Section 205.150 |
Chesterfield classifies chickens as 'farm animals' and prohibits keeping them unless the property is an enclosed tract of at least two acres. A narrow grandfather clause lets owners of 1-to-2-acre parcels who kept fowl as of February 2, 2009 continue. Because nearly all residential lots are under two acres, backyard chickens are effectively not allowed in typical residential zones; the code sets no hen count, rooster rule, or permit for qualifying large lots.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Chesterfield?
Yes, with conditions — Chesterfield allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Section 205.150).
How many chickens can I keep in Chesterfield?
It depends on your lot. Chickens allowed only on tracts of 2+ acres (87,120 sq ft); grandfathered 1-2 acre parcels keeping fowl as of 2-2-2009 may continue. No numeric hen cap in code.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Chesterfield?
Yes — 87,120 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in Chesterfield?
Section 205.150. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Section 205.150 — read the official code
“Persons keeping farm animals, including horses, donkeys, mules, cows, pigs (including potbellied pigs), chicken hens and other fowl and poultry on property less than two (2) acres, but more than one (1) acre, as of February 2, 2009, shall be permitted to keep raising said farm animals... All persons who begin to raise or keep said farm animals after February 2, 2009, shall do so exclusively on property of at least two (2) acres or more in size. (Sec. 205.150(A))” source
“...no person shall keep, raise, harbor or offer for sale any farm animal or wild animal, including, but not limited to, cattle, cow, bull, hog, horse, donkey, sheep, pig, goat, chicken, goose, duck, turkey, skunk or raccoon within the City, unless such animal is kept in an enclosed area on a tract of land on property of at least two (2) acres or more in size. (Sec. 205.150(A))” 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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