Can I keep chickens in Cary, NC?
Yes, with conditions — Cary allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 5 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 15 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (6-62 / LDO Section 5.3.4(J), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 5 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($100) |
| Coop setback | 15 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 6,000 sq ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Coop in rear yard only, 15 feet from side/rear property lines. Secure coop required. Feed stored in secure container. |
| Code section | 6-62 / LDO Section 5.3.4(J) |
Cary permits chickens conditionally. R-80/R-40 zoning allows hens without permit; R-20 and smaller zones require Accessory Use Permit ($100 fee) for up to 5 hens on 6,000+ sq ft lots.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Cary?
Yes, with conditions — Cary allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (6-62 / LDO Section 5.3.4(J)).
How many chickens can I keep in Cary?
Up to 5 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Cary?
Yes — Cary requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $100).
Are roosters allowed in Cary?
No — roosters are prohibited in Cary.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Cary?
15 feet minimum. Coop in rear yard only, 15 feet from side/rear property lines. Secure coop required. Feed stored in secure container.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Cary?
Yes — 6,000 sq ft.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Cary?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Cary's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Cary?
6-62 / LDO Section 5.3.4(J). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
6-62 / LDO Section 5.3.4(J) — read the official code
“In the R-80 and R-40 zoning districts, you can have chickens on your lot, subject to limited regulations and with no permit required.” source
Last verified June 12, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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