Can I keep chickens in High Point, NC?
Yes — High Point allows backyard chickens, up to 5 hens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 40 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (12-2-2, verified August 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 5 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 40 ft |
| Coop rules | Enclosure must be located in the back yard of the dwelling house, of sufficient height and material to keep birds in and predators/rodents out, and at least 40 feet from any dwelling house other than the owner's. Not permitted at multifamily dwelling structures. |
| Code section | 12-2-2 |
High Point allows a maximum of five hens per dwelling house. Roosters are prohibited and chickens are not allowed at multifamily dwellings. Enclosures must be in the back yard and at least 40 feet from any dwelling other than the owner's. Sec. 12-2-2 sets no permit requirement.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in High Point?
Yes — chickens are allowed in High Point (12-2-2).
How many chickens can I keep in High Point?
Up to 5 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in High Point?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in High Point.
Are roosters allowed in High Point?
No — roosters are prohibited in High Point.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in High Point?
40 feet minimum. Enclosure must be located in the back yard of the dwelling house, of sufficient height and material to keep birds in and predators/rodents out, and at least 40 feet from any dwelling house other than the owner's. Not permitted at multifamily dwelling structures.
What law covers backyard chickens in High Point?
12-2-2. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
12-2-2 — read the official code
“A maximum of five (5) chickens may be kept per dwelling house” source
“Sec. 12-2-2. - Requirements of pens and enclosures for chickens, pigeons, rabbits, etc. ... The keeping of chickens under this section shall be limited to hens and the keeping male chickens (roosters) shall be prohibited. A maximum of five (5) chickens may be kept per dwelling house and in no event shall the keeping of any animals under this section be allowed for any multifamily dwelling structures. [No permit, license, registration or fee provision appears anywhere in Sec. 12-2-2. Last amended Ord. No. 7185/16-05, 1-19-16.]” source
“It shall be unlawful for any person to keep enclosures for fowl and/or small animals under this section within 40 feet of any dwelling house or structure used as a dwelling house, unless the house or structure is occupied by the owner of the animal or fowl.” source
Last verified August 2, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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