Thinking about keeping backyard chickens in Georgia? Many counties and cities allow it—but the rules vary widely. Some places limit hens to six, ban roosters outright, specify coop setbacks, or require permits or education. Rural, agricultural zones often are more lenient. This guide walks through county-level rules and some major cities like Athens-Clarke, Roswell, Atlanta suburbs and more, using simple English.
General Overview
- No single statewide law—each county or city sets its own chicken rules.
- Most places allow up to 6 hens on typical lots; more if zoning is farm or large acreage.
- Roosters are usually banned unless you’re in agricultural zoning or large lots.
- Coops must meet setback rules—often 10 to 50 ft from property lines or neighbor homes.
- Chickens must be enclosed and not free‑range off your property.
- Personal use only—no selling eggs or slaughtering allowed on residential properties.
Cherokee County
Permits backyard hens if your lot is at least 20,000 sq ft (≈½ acre). You can keep up to eight hens on a typical lot. If you own more than 8 acres, you may add one extra hen per acre. Roosters are not allowed. Coops must be in the backyard, at least 25 ft from property lines and 50 ft from adjacent homes. Each hen must have at least 10 sq ft of run space and 2 sq ft in the coop. Everything must be clean, odor-free, and humane. Slaughter on site is prohibited.
Gwinnett County (Suwanee, Snellville, etc.)
Lot must be at least 10,500 sq ft. You may keep:
- Up to 5 hens on the smallest lots.
- Up to 15 hens on lots over two acres.
Coops must be fenced and chickens confined when not inside coop. Setback is at least 20 ft from property lines, 50 ft from neighbor dwellings. Roosters are prohibited; slaughter is not allowed. Must avoid creating a nuisance.
Athens‑Clarke County (Athens city)
Up to six hens allowed per parcel in all zoning types. No roosters. Enclosures must be provided and chickens kept in rear yard. Setbacks: coop and runs must be at least 20 ft from property lines and 50 ft from neighbor dwellings. Coop must comply with accessory building standards. Chicken products must stay noncommercial. Permit or inspection may be required depending on county process.
Roswell (Fulton County)
Chickens are allowed only if your lot is over one-third acre. On lots between one-third and one acre, you may have up to six hens. On lots over one acre, use a formula: 12 birds per acre, up to 36 maximum. Coops must sit at least 50 ft from property lines. Roosters are prohibited. This ordinance does not apply to properties already zoned agricultural over two acres. Slaughter and nuisances are prohibited.
Atlanta Suburbs: Brookhaven, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs
These cities all have recent chicken ordinances modeled on DeKalb County guidelines:
- Brookhaven: Minimum lot size 6,000 sq ft. Max chickens is one per 1,000 sq ft, up to ~25 chickens. Roosters are banned. Coops must remain fenced, coop 4 sq ft per bird inside, run 25 sq ft per bird outside, 7.5 ft setback from any property line.
- Dunwoody: For lots between 10,000–15,000 sq ft, up to six chickens. Lots over 15,001 sq ft up to an acre allow eight, and over an acre it’s eight per acre. Coops must be 35 ft from rear lot line, 15 ft from side lines. Permit required. Roosters banned.
- Sandy Springs: Up to 75 chickens per property allowed in most zones (more allowed in ag zones). Coops must be at least 25 ft from occupied buildings other than your own. Each bird must have at least 4 sq ft in enclosure. Roosters only allowed in agricultural settings.
Columbus (Muscogee County)
You may obtain a permit for keeping backyard chickens. Up to 32 chickens per acre (no explicit limit per lot). Chicken coops must not create odor or noise issues for neighbors. Roosters may be allowed with approval. Permits require property inspection and proof that the birds won’t be a nuisance.
Macon‑Bibb County (Macon city)
Backyard chickens are allowed with county approval—no fixed hen limit. Roosters may be permitted so long as they don’t cause nuisance. Coops must be in the rear yard, at least 25 ft from neighbor dwellings and 10 ft from property lines. Coops must be dry, ventilated, and clean. No slaughter on site; coop must remain odor-free.
Catoosa County
New code passed in 2023 clarified rules: chickens allowed in residential zones if lot size is sufficient. Requirements include number limits, coop setbacks, and care standards. Local officials won’t monitor proactively but respond to complaints.
Cobb County (including Mableton, Kennesaw)
On lots under two acres: one chicken per 5,000 sq ft of lot area (so ~4 chicks on a ½ acre lot). Roosters not allowed. Coops must be in the rear yard, 25 ft from property lines and dwellings. Coop permit may be required. For properties over two acres in agricultural zones, rules loosen.
Other Counties: Clarke, Butts, Camden, etc.
Clarke County (Athens): up to six hens, no roosters, rear yard only, coop with setbacks and noncommercial use.
Butts County: hens allowed, coop must be 100 ft away from any neighboring building.
Camden County: five hens allowed, no roosters, coop 10 ft from lot line, no duplex or apartment lots.
Gilmer County: max 20 hens per acre, allowed only in non‑subdivision areas, roosters usually not permitted.
Piedmont/Paulding County: up to five chickens; coop max 100 sq ft; 100 ft from property line adjacent to road and 45 ft from other lines; no slaughter; no breeding.
Harlem
Voices from Residents
“Contrary to the other post, the rules HAVE changed. Notwithstanding… up to six chickens will be permitted on any size lot…” — Columbus, Ga resident describing 2024 change :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
“City doesn’t have a limit… limits by coop requirements… 5,000 sq ft per bird unless farm‑zoned.” — Resident in Cobb County / Kennesaw :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
“In unincorporated areas like… allow up to five hens per residence…” — Brevard County, FL context but shows typical logic. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Summary Table
| Location | Hens Allowed | Roosters? | Permit Required? | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherokee County | Up to 8 hens (plus extras if >8 ac) | No | No formal permit | 20,000 sf lot; setbacks 25/50 ft; coop/run sizing; clean |
| Gwinnett County (Suwanee, Snellville) | 5–15 hens by lot size | No | No formal permit | Lot ≥10,500 sf; coop fenced; 20‑50 ft setbacks |
| Athens‑Clarke County | Up to 6 hens | No | Possible inspection | Rear yard; setbacks 20/50 ft; coop/run enclosure |
| Roswell | 6 on <⅓ ac; 12/ac up to 36 | No | No formal permit | 50 ft setback; applies only >⅓ ac and non‑ag zones |
| Brookhaven / Dunwoody / Sandy Springs | 6–25 hens based on lot | No (except ag zones) | Permit required | Setbacks ~7.5–35 ft; coop/run sizing; lot‑based limits |
| Columbus (Muscogee) | Up to ~32/ac | Yes (if approved) | Yes (permit & inspection) | No nuisance; coop hygiene |
| Macon‑Bibb County | No fixed limit | Yes (if approved) | Yes (county approval) | Rear yard; setbacks 25/10 ft; coop clean |
| Cobb County (Mableton, Kennesaw) | 1 per 5,000 sf on <2 aclot | No (<2 ac) | Yes (coop permit) | Rear yard; 25 ft setbacks; no roosters |
| Other counties (Camden, Clarke, Paulding, etc.) | Typically 5–8 hens | No | Varies | Setbacks ~25–100 ft; coop/run rules; no slaughter |
Tips to Stay Legal
- Check whether your property falls under city or county rules using local zoning maps.
- Contact planning, zoning, or code enforcement about chicken-specific ordinances.
- Avoid roosters unless you’re in agricultural zoning or large acreage where they’re permitted.
- Follow coop size and setback rules carefully—they vary by place and lot size.
- Keep coops and runs clean, well-ventilated, predator‑proof; prevent odor, pests, and noise nuisance.
- HOA or covenants may ban chickens even if zoning allows them—check first.
Why These Rules Matter
Local rules help protect neighbors from noise (especially crowing), unpleasant smells, flies, and sanitation issues. Setbacks keep coops distant from homes. Permit or inspection systems let officials ensure housing is safe and humane. Together, rules allow residents to enjoy backyard hens while maintaining community peace.
Bottom Line
Georgia generally allows backyard hens in many counties and cities, with common limits around six hens. Roosters are typically banned, coop setbacks range widely, and some areas require permits or education. Rural and agricultural zones allow more flexibility. If you tell me your exact city or county—like Augusta, Gainesville, or Forsyth County—I can help look up the exact and current rules for you.