Can I keep chickens in Meridian, MS?
Yes, with conditions — Meridian allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. Coops must be at least 100 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Code of Ordinances ch. 6, § 6-12(a), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 100 ft |
| Coop rules | No numeric coop spec; fowl may not be kept within 100 ft of any building used as a residence by another person. |
| Code section | Code of Ordinances ch. 6, § 6-12(a) |
Meridian allows chickens and other domestic fowl but bars keeping them within 100 feet of any building used as a residence by another person, which effectively prohibits them on most small residential lots. There is no hen-count cap, no permit requirement, and no rooster-specific ban in the animal chapter. Swine are prohibited and dogs/cats are exempted.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Meridian?
Yes, with conditions — Meridian allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Code of Ordinances ch. 6, § 6-12(a)).
How many chickens can I keep in Meridian?
It depends on your lot. No numeric cap; allowed only where the coop can be sited 100+ ft from any other residence (Sec. 6-12(a)).. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Meridian?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Meridian.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Meridian?
100 feet minimum. No numeric coop spec; fowl may not be kept within 100 ft of any building used as a residence by another person.
What law covers backyard chickens in Meridian?
Code of Ordinances ch. 6, § 6-12(a). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Code of Ordinances ch. 6, § 6-12(a) — read the official code
“It shall be unlawful for any person to keep or maintain any chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys or other domestic fowl of any kind, or any sheep, cattle, mules, goats, horses or any other four-legged animal of any kind, within one hundred (100) feet of any building or structure in the city used as a residence by another.” source
Last verified June 14, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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