Can I keep chickens in Durham, NC?
Yes — Durham allows backyard chickens, up to 10 hens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 15 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Durham UDO Sec. 5.4.12 (Domestic Chickens, City Only), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 10 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 15 ft |
| Home slaughter | Allowed with restrictions |
| Coop rules | Coop and pen both required; chickens secured in coop during non-daylight hours; coop at least 15 ft from any property line/right-of-way, pen at least 5 ft; coop solid-sided with solid roof; sanitary at all times; max 2 cu ft stored manure in waterproof container. |
| Code section | Durham UDO Sec. 5.4.12 (Domestic Chickens, City Only) |
Durham (city limits only) allows up to 10 female chickens per lot as an accessory use - no roosters, and no sales of eggs, birds, manure or compost. The current UDO contains no permit requirement; the former limited-agriculture permit was deleted in 2019. Slaughter is permitted if done per NC Cooperative Extension guidance and not visible from adjacent property.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Durham?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Durham (Durham UDO Sec. 5.4.12 (Domestic Chickens, City Only)).
How many chickens can I keep in Durham?
Up to 10 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Durham?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Durham.
Are roosters allowed in Durham?
No — roosters are prohibited in Durham.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Durham?
15 feet minimum. Coop and pen both required; chickens secured in coop during non-daylight hours; coop at least 15 ft from any property line/right-of-way, pen at least 5 ft; coop solid-sided with solid roof; sanitary at all times; max 2 cu ft stored manure in waterproof container.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Durham?
Yes, with restrictions — see the city's rules in Durham UDO Sec. 5.4.12 (Domestic Chickens, City Only).
What law covers backyard chickens in Durham?
Durham UDO Sec. 5.4.12 (Domestic Chickens, City Only). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Durham UDO Sec. 5.4.12 (Domestic Chickens, City Only) — read the official code
“The maximum number of chickens allowed is 10 per lot, regardless of how many dwelling units are on the lot. Only female chickens are allowed.” source
“chicken coops shall be located at least 15 feet from any property line or public right-of-way, and chicken pens shall be located at least five feet from any property line or right-of-way.” 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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