Thinking about keeping backyard chickens in Maryland? You can—but rules vary by county and city. Each place sets limits on hens, whether roosters are allowed, coop location, setbacks, licenses or permits, and sanitary standards. Below is a guide to key counties and cities in simple, clear language.
Baltimore City
- Up to 4 hens for lots under 2,000 sq ft; more allowed for larger lots.
- Roosters are banned.
- $25 permit required from Animal Control.
- Coop must be rear yard, at least 15 ft from any dwelling.
- Minimum 2 sq ft per bird in coop.
- Must register flock with the state.
Baltimore County
- Allowed on owner‑occupied single‑family lots under 1 acre.
- Up to 4 hens on small lots; no roosters.
- Coop must be ≥30 ft from neighboring dwellings.
- Well-maintained, predator-proof, no odor.
- No permit if within limits, but HOA restrictions may apply.
Montgomery County (Rockville, Bethesda, Gaithersburg)
- Raising chickens allowed in many residential zones.
- Lot <1 acre: up to 8 hens, no roosters.
- Coop must be rear yard, ≥25 ft from lot line, and ≥100 ft from neighbor dwelling.
- No permit needed for personal flocks (except egg sales).
Gaithersburg (City within Montgomery County)
- Up to 6 hens; roosters prohibited.
- Coop must be ≥5 ft from property line and ≥200 ft from neighbor dwelling.
- Permit required; daily manure removal.
Rockville (City within Montgomery County)
- Up to 5 hens at single‑family homes.
- No roosters; chickens not allowed in townhouses.
- $25 permit required; neighbor notification and site plan needed.
- Coop must be ≥5 ft from lot line, ≥2 sq ft per bird.
- State poultry registration also required.
Howard County (Columbia, Ellicott City)
- Residents may keep up to 8 hens; no roosters.
- Minimum lot size ~10,000 sq ft.
- Coop must be rear yard, ≥15 ft from lot lines and ≥50 ft from neighbors’ homes.
- No permit required for personal flocks.
Anne Arundel County (Including Annapolis, Glen Burnie)
- Lots <40,000 sq ft: license required, up to ~32 hens per such lot.
- Lots ≥40,000 sq ft: no license needed.
- Roosters prohibited on smaller lots.
- Coop must be rear yard, ≥25 ft from lot lines and dwellings.
- Must register with state.
Prince George’s County (Bowie, College Park)
- Chickens permitted in larger residential zones and rural areas.
- Typically allowed on ≥10,000 sq ft lots; roosters mostly prohibited.
- Special permit may be needed in smaller zones.
- Coop setbacks ~25 ft and must be enclosed and hygienic.
Frederick County (City of Frederick and beyond)
- Allowed in most zones; limits often set locally.
- Frederick City: license required, up to ~6 hens.
- Coop must be set back ~25 ft and meet sanitary standards.
- No permit needed in unincorporated zones if used personally.
Charles County (Waldorf area)
- Allowed on residential lots ≥½ acre.
- Up to 6 hens; no roosters.
- Coop must be rear yard, ≥25 ft from dwellings.
- No permit needed for personal flocks.
Harford County
- Up to 6 hens allowed in most residential zones.
- No roosters in standard subdivisions.
- Coop must be rear yard, ≥20 ft from lot lines.
- No permit required for backyard flocks.
Carroll County
- Personal flocks allowed in agricultural and many residential zones.
- No stated hen limit in rural zones; roosters permitted there.
- Coop setbacks typically 25–50 ft.
- No license required for small flocks.
Other Towns (Salisbury, Annapolis, Hagerstown, Westminster)
- Salisbury allows up to 6 hens with registration; roosters prohibited.
- Annapolis city allows 5 hens with permit and neighbor approval.
- Hagerstown region allows chickens in rural zones under right-to-farm rules.
- Westminster area permits chickens under agricultural zoning.
Common Rules Across Maryland
- Roosters are usually disallowed on small residential lots.
- Coop must be in back yard, meet setback rules (typically 15–50 ft), be enclosed and sanitary.
- Most places require state poultry registration.
- Permits or licenses often required in cities or on smaller lots.
- HOA covenants or deed restrictions may override local allowances.
Tips to Stay Legal
- Check whether your address falls under county or city code by consulting zoning maps.
- Contact local planning, zoning, or animal control to verify chicken rules before building a coop.
- Avoid roosters unless your zoning clearly permits them.
- Respect coop setback requirements and enclosure size standards.
- Register your flock with the Maryland Department of Agriculture.
- If you need a permit or license, do not begin keeping birds until it’s approved.
- Watch for smell or noise complaints—they can trigger enforcement even if keeping is legal.
Why These Rules Matter
These rules help keep neighborhoods peaceful by reducing noise, odors, pests, and health risks. Setbacks keep coops clear of neighboring yards. Permits and coop standards ensure proper animal care. Registering flocks helps prevent disease outbreaks. Together, these rules balance personal convenience with community wellbeing.
Final Takeaway
Maryland generally allows backyard hens—but exact limits depend on your county and whether you live in a city or rural area. Most counties permit around 4–8 hens on modest lots, ban roosters, and enforce coop setbacks and hygiene standards. Larger lots or agricultural zones often allow more freedom. If you let me know your county or specific city or address, I can help you find the most current and precise local ordinance that applies to your property.
