Can I keep chickens in Oxford, MS?
Yes, with conditions — Oxford allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. Roosters are prohibited. (Appendix A - Land Development Code §3.11.2 (Agriculture and forestry); Animal Code Ch. 18, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop rules | In the ER/SR/NR residential districts, agriculture is a special use limited to crops or animals raised for the occupants' own use; poultry is limited to hens (roosters not allowed). No numeric flock cap, lot-size minimum, or fixed setback is specified in the LDC for poultry. By right in AG and INST districts. |
| Code section | Appendix A - Land Development Code §3.11.2 (Agriculture and forestry); Animal Code Ch. 18 |
Oxford's Animal Chapter 18 bans only swine and wild animals and otherwise handles fowl under a nuisance standard. The Land Development Code Sec. 3.11.2 defines Agriculture as raising crops, fowl, or livestock and governs where it is allowed: by right in the AG and INST districts, and as a special use in the ER, SR, and NR residential districts. In those residential districts agricultural uses are limited to crops or animals raised for the occupants' own use, and poultry is expressly limited to hens with roosters not allowed. The LDC sets no numeric hen cap, lot-size minimum, or fixed setback for poultry. (A circulated '3 acres / 10 hens / 150 ft' claim is not in the code and is contradicted by it.)
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Oxford?
Yes, with conditions — Oxford allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Appendix A - Land Development Code §3.11.2 (Agriculture and forestry); Animal Code Ch. 18).
How many chickens can I keep in Oxford?
It depends on your lot. Agriculture (incl. fowl) is by-right in AG and INST districts and a special use in ER/SR/NR residential districts, where poultry is limited to hens (no roosters) and to occupants' own use. No numeric hen cap, lot-size, or setback specified in the LDC.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Oxford?
Yes — Oxford requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Oxford?
No — roosters are prohibited in Oxford.
What law covers backyard chickens in Oxford?
Appendix A - Land Development Code §3.11.2 (Agriculture and forestry); Animal Code Ch. 18. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Appendix A - Land Development Code §3.11.2 (Agriculture and forestry); Animal Code Ch. 18 — read the official code
“Agriculture and forestry are permitted uses in the AG and INST districts. Agriculture is a special use in the ER, SR, and NR districts. (Sec. 3.11.2)” source
“Where designated as a special use, in the ER, SR, and NR districts, agricultural uses are limited to crops or animals raised for the use and/or enjoyment by occupants of the premises. (Sec. 3.11.2)” source
“In the ER, SR, and NR districts, poultry is limited to hens. Roosters are not allowed. (Sec. 3.11.2)” 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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