Baltimore County now allows residents to keep backyard chickens—with some requirements based on property size, proper licensing, and sanitation rules. Here’s a complete, easy-to-follow guide to what’s allowed and what’s required.
1. License Is Required — No More 1-Acre Rule
In early 2022, Baltimore County lifted the previous requirement that chickens could only be kept on properties of 1 acre or more. Now, residents on smaller lots can keep backyard hens, provided they obtain a license from the Department of Permits, Approvals & Inspections. Registration is also required with the Maryland Department of Agriculture.
The license application requires:
- A detailed, scaled site plan showing the coop and run, fences, and lot boundaries.
- Coop must be in the rear yard only, no taller than 8 ft, at least 25 ft from any neighboring residence, and 10 ft from side and rear property lines.
- A written plan covering litter management, water/feed provision, feed storage, and coop materials. No roosters are permitted. The number of hens depends strictly on property size.
2. How Many Hens Are Allowed?
The number of hens allowed depends on the size of your lot:
- 10,000 sq ft (~0.23 acres): up to 4 hens
- 20,000 sq ft (~0.46 acres): up to 6 hens
- 30,000 sq ft (~0.69 acres): up to 8 hens
- 40,000 sq ft (~0.92 acres): up to 10 hens
Remember: residents must live on the property and the dwelling must be owner-occupied.
3. No Roosters Allowed
To avoid noise and nuisance, roosters are prohibited under Baltimore County regulations.
4. State-Level Requirements
In addition to county licensing, all poultry owners are required to register their flocks with the Maryland Department of Agriculture. This helps with disease control and emergency notifications.
5. Summary at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Size | None—chickens allowed on lots under 1 acre |
| License | Required from the County Department of Permits, Approvals & Inspections |
| Coop Placement | Rear yard only; ≤ 8 ft high; ≥ 25 ft from neighbors; ≥ 10 ft from side/rear lot lines |
| Hen Limits | 4–10 hens depending on lot size (see size table above) |
| Roosters | Not permitted |
| State Registration | Required with Maryland Department of Agriculture |
6. Checklist Before You Apply
- Confirm your property’s square footage and that it’s owner occupied.
- Measure and sketch your coop and run layout including setbacks to property and neighbor residences.
- Prepare a plan for coop construction materials, litter, feed storage, and water access.
- Submit license application with site plan and pay the county fee.
- Register your flock with the Maryland Department of Agriculture (free and required).
7. Backstory
Before 2022, chickens in Baltimore County were allowed only on properties of at least 1 acre. A push for more regulation and licensing changed that—on February 1, 2022, the new law took effect, opening the possibility of backyard hens for many more residents.
Sources for this summary include Baltimore County’s formal licensing application and zoning regulations, along with County Council legislative updates and guidance from the Maryland People’s Law Library.