Missouri has recently made a major shift in poultry policy—especially when it comes to homeowners associations (HOAs) and backyard chicken ownership. Effective August 28, 2024, new state law gives property owners the right to keep a small flock on their own land, regardless of prior restrictive covenants. Here’s everything you need to know: the law’s scope, its limitations, local enforcement, legal context, and how to apply it in your own neighborhood.
1. What the Law Says
The new legislation—enacted as part of HB 2062 and SB 985—prohibits HOAs, deed restrictions, covenants, or similar binding agreements from banning chickens if the property meets certain criteria:
- Property must be at least 0.2 acres (two-tenths of an acre).
- Homeowners may keep up to 6 chickens and have a coop designed to house them.
- HOAs may still enforce reasonable rules, such as bans on roosters or coop placement standards.
This change represents a notable expansion of homeowner freedom where prior HOA covenants restricted backyard poultry outright.
2. What’s Still Allowed Under HOA Rules
Though HOAs can no longer ban chickens on qualifying lots, they retain power to apply reasonable limitations, including:
- Banning or restricting roosters to address noise concerns.
- Setting rules around coop design, placement, cleanliness, or animal welfare.
- Enforcing spacing, odor mitigation, and predator control standards.
These rules ensure that neighbors’ enjoyment of their property is respected, while still allowing chicken keeping.
3. Does the Law Override Local City or County Ordinances?
No. Local laws and zoning regulations still apply to chicken keeping. The state law specifically targets HOA restrictions, not municipal or county codes. If your city or county bans chickens, that rule remains active unless changed by local officials.
4. Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Property Size | Minimum 0.2 acres required |
| Allowable Chickens | Up to 6 hens/coops |
| HOA Restrictions | Cannot ban; can impose reasonable rules |
| Local Ordinances | Still enforceable |
5. Why It Was Passed
Sponsored by Rep. Jim Murphy (R), the law was driven by his own grandchildren’s desire to keep chickens—blocked by ambiguous HOA rules. It reflects a broader property-rights approach, aiming to prevent small unified groups from overpowering individual homeowners. The law mirrors progressive county-level standards and places value on local food access and independence.
6. What Happens When Cities or HOAs Push Back?
Some HOA groups have filed lawsuits asserting that the law infringes on contract rights. Nevertheless, proponents—including the bill’s sponsor—argue that state law appropriately protects individual property rights while allowing HOAs to retain authority over amenable rules. Only time will tell how courts rule on these challenges.
7. Context & Clarification
Importantly, the law does not override municipal or county poultry bans; it only limits HOA and private covenant restrictions. That means if your local government prohibits chickens, you still need to follow that rule—regardless of HOA protections.
On forums, one Missouri resident summed it up:
“MO Governor has recently signed a bill prohibiting HOA from restricting backyard chickens as long as your lot is at least .2 acre and your city allows it.”
8. What Property Owners Should Do
- Check if your property is at least 0.2 acres—if so, HOA bans don’t apply.
- Confirm local zoning rules. If they allow chickens, you may proceed (within HOA boundaries).
- Talk to your HOA or review covenants; if they forbid chickens, state law protects you—but they may still enact coop regulations.
- Design your chicken coop to follow health, odor, and neighbor-friendly guidelines.
- Engage neighbors—offer eggs and information to reduce resistance.
- If pushback continues, consult legal counsel—this law may be your strongest defense in HOAs.
9. Final Thoughts
Missouri’s chicken law is a landmark for property rights, food autonomy, and personal farming. It empowers homeowners on modestly sized lots to keep chickens—even if their HOA objects—while still respecting sensible coop and welfare standards. However, local ordinances still control, and HOA “reasonable rules” may shape how your coop looks, where it sits, and how chickens are cared for.