Can I keep chickens in Raytown, MO?
Yes, with conditions — Raytown allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 4 hens where permitted). Coops must be at least 100 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Code of Ordinances Ch. 6 Art. III Div. 2, Sec. 6-105, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 4 |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 100 ft |
| Coop rules | Coop/pen for fowl must be >=100 ft from any neighbor-occupied building and >=25 ft from the property line. Within 100 ft of a neighbor's building it is unlawful to keep more than 4 outdoor fowl/small animals over 90 days old (caged household fowl and therapeutic aviaries exempt). If the coop is 100+ ft from any neighbor building, the 4-fowl cap does not apply. Manure in a covered flytight receptacle. |
| Code section | Code of Ordinances Ch. 6 Art. III Div. 2, Sec. 6-105 |
Raytown permits keeping chickens but imposes a strict location rule: any chicken coop or pen for housing fowl must be at least 100 feet from the nearest portion of any building used by humans other than the owner's dwelling, and 25 feet from the property line. Within 100 feet of a neighbor's building it is unlawful to keep more than four outdoor fowl over 90 days old, though caged household fowl are exempt; if the coop is 100+ feet from any neighbor building the four-fowl cap does not apply. Because feasibility depends on the 100-foot setback, this is treated as conditional.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Raytown?
Yes, with conditions — Raytown allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Code of Ordinances Ch. 6 Art. III Div. 2, Sec. 6-105).
How many chickens can I keep in Raytown?
Up to 4 hens. Within 100 ft of a neighbor's building, max 4 outdoor fowl over 90 days; caged household fowl exempt. If coop is 100+ ft from any neighbor building, the 4-fowl cap does not apply. Coop also >=25 ft from property line.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Raytown?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Raytown.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Raytown?
100 feet minimum. Coop/pen for fowl must be >=100 ft from any neighbor-occupied building and >=25 ft from the property line. Within 100 ft of a neighbor's building it is unlawful to keep more than 4 outdoor fowl/small animals over 90 days old (caged household fowl and therapeutic aviaries exempt). If the coop is 100+ ft from any neighbor building, the 4-fowl cap does not apply. Manure in a covered flytight receptacle.
What law covers backyard chickens in Raytown?
Code of Ordinances Ch. 6 Art. III Div. 2, Sec. 6-105. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Code of Ordinances Ch. 6 Art. III Div. 2, Sec. 6-105 — read the official code
“it shall be unlawful for any person to keep or maintain, within 100 feet of the nearest portion of any dwelling or other building occupied by or in anyway used by human beings except for a dwelling occupied by the owner or keeper of such animals, more than four fowl, rabbits, or other small animals over 90 days of age. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to caged household fowl or therapeutic aviary.” source
“It shall be unlawful for any person to keep or maintain any chicken coop... closer than 100 feet to the nearest portion of any building occupied by or in any way used by human beings, other than the dwelling occupied by the owner or keeper of the animals or fowl, or closer than 25 feet to the property line” source
Last verified June 13, 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 →