Thinking about raising backyard chickens in Kansas? Many cities allow it—but rules vary a lot depending on where you live. Some cities limit hens, ban roosters, or require permits, site plans, and coop setbacks. Rural areas often offer more freedom. This guide covers major cities like Wichita, Overland Park, Olathe, Lawrence, Manhattan, Topeka, and more, using simple clear language.
Statewide Overview
Kansas doesn’t have a single statewide rule about chickens. Instead, each city or county sets its own rules for hen limits, rooster bans, coop location, setbacks, cleanliness, and required permits. Always check your local ordinance or contact your city’s planning or animal services office.
Wichita (Sedgwick County)
- No permit needed for up to 3 hens.
- Up to 12 hens allowed with a $25/year permit.
- Roosters are prohibited.
- Coops must be clean, sanitary, and odor‑controlled.
Overland Park (Johnson County)
- Permit required: $100 first year, $50 renewals.
- 0.2–0.49 ac: 3 hens; 0.5–0.99 ac: 6 hens; 1–3 ac: 12 hens; over 3 ac: unlimited.
- No rooster allowed unless in agricultural zoning.
- Coop setbacks and site plan required; must avoid nuisance.
Olathe (Johnson County)
- Roosters prohibited.
- Up to 10 hens allowed on 3 acres or more—no permit.
- Properties under 3 acres need a Special Animal Permit to keep any hens.
Lawrence (Douglas County)
- One hen per 500 sq ft of lot size; up to 20 hens allowed.
- No roosters.
- Permits required; coops must meet setback and coop size rules.
Manhattan (Riley County)
- No limit on hens—permitted as long as they are properly contained and not a nuisance.
- Coops must be at least 25 ft from neighboring dwellings.
- Roosters allowed—but subject to nuisance laws.
Topeka (Shawnee County)
- No official maximum number of hens.
- Permits may be required depending on zoning.
- Roosters generally prohibited in residential zones.
Prairie Village (Johnson County)
- Up to 6 hens per lot; coop must have at least 12 sq ft per hen, and max coop size of 84 sq ft.
- No roosters.
- Coop and run must be in rear yard, at least 10 ft from property lines and 25 ft from other dwellings.
- No commercial use allowed (no egg sales or slaughter onsite).
Douglass (Butler County)
- Permit required ($30 application and annual renewal).
- Up to 6 hens per single‑family dwelling; no roosters.
- Coop must be in rear yard, at least 10 ft from lot lines and 20 ft from any neighbor’s home.
- Coop max size 100 sq ft; must be predator‑resistant, enclosed, odor controlled, and regularly inspected.
Plainville (Rooks County)
- Annual permit $20 required.
- Up to 6 hens per tract; roosters not allowed.
- Henhouses must be enclosed and sanitary at all times, coop space at least 4 sq ft per bird.
Other Cities & Counties
- Lawrence area & rural Douglas County: often follow similar rules—4–10 hens, no roosters in residential zones.
- Garden City, Leavenworth, Derby, Emporia, Salina, Hutchinson: up to 8–12 hens allowed, often with permits; coops must meet setbacks and sanitation rules.
- Lenexa: ≤1 ac: 4 hens; 1–3 ac: up to 15 hens. Permit required for larger flocks.
Common Rules Across Kansas Cities
- Most cities limit hens between 3–10 unless on large acreage.
- Roosters are almost always banned in residential zones.
- Permits are common in cities—fees between $20 and $100 per year.
- Coops must be fenced/enclosed and meet setback rules (typically 10–25 ft from lot lines or neighbor dwellings).
- Coops must be clean, ventilated, predator‑proof, and odor‑free.
- Chicken keeping is for personal use only—no commercial breeding, egg sales, or on-site slaughter usually permitted.
Summary Table
| City | Hens Allowed | Roosters? | Permit? | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wichita | 3 (no permit) or 12 with permit | No | Yes ($25) | Coop clean and enclosed |
| Overland Park | 3–12 by acreage, unlimited >3 ac | No | Yes ($100 initial) | Site plan, coop setbacks |
| Olathe | Up to 10 hens if ≥3 ac | No | Yes if under 3 ac | Permit required |
| Lawrence | 1 hen per 500 sq ft, max 20 | No | Yes | Lot-based limits; coop rules |
| Manhattan | No limit if contained | Allowed | Varies | 25 ft setback; no nuisance |
| Prairie Village | Up to 6 hens | No | No | Coop ≥12 sq ft/hen, setbacks |
| Douglass | Up to 6 hens | No | Yes ($30) | Rear yard, setbacks 10/20 ft, coop ≤100 sq ft |
| Plainville | Up to 6 hens | No | Yes ($20) | 4 sq ft/hen, clean enclosure required |
Tips to Stay Legal and Friendly
- Check whether your lot is governed by city or county rules using local zoning maps.
- Contact your city clerk or animal control for details on chicken ordinances.
- Avoid roosters unless in rural/agricultural zoning where allowed.
- Follow coop setback and size rules closely.
- Keep coops clean, predator‑proof, and waste managed.
- Get required permits before keeping chickens.
- Review any HOA or neighborhood covenants—they may prohibit chickens even if city allows them.
Why These Rules Matter
Chicken rules help balance backyard flocks with neighborhood harmony—reducing noise, odor, pests and nuisance. Coop setbacks prevent conflicts, while permit systems ensure proper planning. Many cities allow hens for personal use but ban roosters and require hygiene standards to avoid problems.
Bottom Line
Across Kansas, backyard hen keeping is widely allowed—generally with modest limits like 3–6 birds, coop rules, setbacks, and often a permit. Some cities like Manhattan or large-lot homeowners allow more flexibility. Roosters almost always remain prohibited in residential zones. If you share your specific city or county, I can help find the exact and current rules that apply to your property.