Want to keep backyard chickens in Arkansas? You probably can—but the rules change from one place to another. Cities and counties in Arkansas each set their own limits on how many hens are allowed, whether roosters are permitted, where coops must sit, and whether you need permits. Rural areas tend to be more relaxed. This guide breaks down the main rules for major cities and counties—Pulaski, Benton, Washington, Sebastian, Garland, Craighead, Faulkner and more.
No Statewide Chicken Ban, But Local Rules Matter
Arkansas doesn’t have a single statewide law banning or requiring chickens. Instead, each city or county decides. Many allow hens only, limit the number, ban roosters, set coop setbacks, and sometimes require permits. If you live outside city limits in rural areas, rules may be more flexible—but nuisance laws still apply.
Pulaski County (Little Rock & North Little Rock)
Little Rock
You can keep chickens if you follow local rules:
- You must get a permit from city planning.
- You can keep hens only; one rooster max per household.
- No set limit on hens, but flock must fit your property size.
- Coop must be at least 10 ft from property line and 50 ft from neighbor’s home.
- Must keep the coop clean, sanitary, and secure.
- Cannot sell eggs or slaughter on site.
North Little Rock
Similar but slightly different:
- Annual $10 permit required, approved after inspection.
- No roosters allowed.
- No set limit on hens, but property must be suitable.
- Coop must be at least 10 ft from property lines and 75 ft from neighbors.
Benton County (Bentonville, Rogers)
Bentonville
- Up to six hens allowed per home.
- No roosters permitted.
- Coop must be in rear yard, ≥25 ft from neighbors and ≥5 ft from lot lines.
- Permit required; must remain clean and pest‑free.
Rogers
- Up to four hens per single‑family dwelling.
- No roosters.
- Coop must be two feet off ground, ≥25 ft from neighbor homes, ≥5 ft from lot lines.
- Annual $5 permit required after inspection; coop and flock must stay sanitary.
- Chickens can roam inside a fenced backyard if contained.
Washington County (Fayetteville & Springdale)
Fayetteville
- Up to four hens allowed on small lots; up to 20 hens if your lot is over one acre.
- No roosters in city limits.
- Coop must be at least 25 ft from neighboring homes and 10 ft from property lines.
- Each hen needs about 3 sq ft inside the coop and outside access.
- Wing clipping or non‑flying breeds required. No outdoor slaughter allowed.
- Some permits needed for larger flocks.
Springdale
- Chickens allowed only in agricultural (A‑1) zones; not in platted subdivisions.
- No roosters.
- Permits required; coop and nuisance rules apply.
Sebastian County (Fort Smith)
- You may keep up to six hens per property.
- No roosters allowed.
- Coop must be at least 30 ft from any neighboring dwelling.
- No permit usually required, but nuisance complaints can trigger enforcement.
Garland County (Hot Springs)
- Up to five hens allowed.
- No roosters.
- Coop must be at least 20 ft from property lines.
- No outside slaughter; coop must be predator‑proof and well maintained.
Craighead County (Jonesboro)
- Up to six hens allowed in most residential zones.
- No roosters permitted.
- Coop must be at least 25 ft from neighboring dwellings.
- Chickens must stay within your property fencing or enclosure.
- Health and safety standards enforced to avoid fines.
Faulkner County (Conway)
- Conway typically allows four hens in residential areas.
- No roosters.
- Permit might be required depending on zoning.
- Coop must be in rear yard, with typical setbacks (15–25 ft).
- Feces must not run off to neighbors; odor control required.
Saline County (Benton, Bryant)
Rules vary by city and neighborhood:
- Most allow 4–6 hens; roosters generally banned.
- Coops set back 15–30 ft from neighbors.
- Permits may be required in some zones.
Other Counties & Rural Areas
In rural or unincorporated parts of Arkansas, rules are often more relaxed. Many landowners keep hens with few limits or permits. But nuisance laws still apply—smell, noise, or pests can lead to enforcement. Always check with your county planning office before starting.
Summary Table
| Location | Hens Allowed | Roosters? | Permit? | Coop Setbacks / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Rock | No fixed limit (reasonable only) | One per household OK | Yes | 10 ft from lines, 50 ft from neighbor residence |
| North Little Rock | No fixed limit | No | Yes, $10 fee | 10 ft from lines, 75 ft from neighbors |
| Bentonville | 6 hens | No | Yes | Rear yard, 25 ft from neighbors, 5 ft lots |
| Rogers | 4 hens | No | Yes, $5 fee | Rear yard, 25 ft from neighbors, coop 2 ft above ground |
| Fayetteville | 4–20 hens | No | Permit if >4 hens | 25 ft from homes, 10 ft from lines |
| Springdale | Varies by zoning | No | Yes, zoning only | A‑1 zones only, no subdivisions |
| Fort Smith | 6 hens | No | Usually no | 30 ft from neighboring residence |
| Hot Springs | 5 hens | No | Maybe | 20 ft from lines; coop clean and secure |
| Jonesboro | 6 hens | No | No | 25 ft from neighbor dwellings |
| Conway | 4 hens | No | Sometimes | Rear yard; 15–25 ft setback rules |
Tips to Stay Legal and Happy
• Find your zoning type—check city or county planning departments.
• Contact animal control or code office to see if you need permits.
• Avoid roosters unless you’re in rural agricultural zones.
• Follow coop space rules—usually 3 sq ft per chicken inside, plus outdoor run.
• Respect setback rules—some places require up to 75 ft from neighbors.
• Keep the coop clean—dispose of waste, secure feed, control flies or rodents.
• Check HOA rules—some neighborhoods forbid any poultry despite city codes.
Why These Rules Matter
Local laws help prevent noise, odor, and pest issues. Setbacks and coop standards keep chickens contained and safe. Permits let authorities review plans before you buy chicks. Without guardrails, backyard flocks on small lots can upset neighbors. Rules aim to balance personal hobbies with neighborhood harmony.
Final Thoughts
Counties and cities in Arkansas generally allow backyard hens, but limits on number, coop location, rooster bans, and permitting vary. Rural landowners often have more freedom. If you share your city or county, I can help find the exact up‑to‑date rules there.