Thinking about raising backyard chickens in Missouri? Most local governments regulate chicken keeping—number of hens, rooster rules, coop placement, permits, and local zoning drive the rules. A state law now prevents HOAs from banning up to six hens on lots over two‑tenths of an acre but local ordinances still control the details. This guide explains how rules work in many cities and counties across the state.
Statewide Context
On August 28, 2024, Missouri enacted **HB 2062**, preventing homeowner associations from banning ownership of up to **six chickens** on lots of at least **0.2 acres**. However, **local city and county laws still set actual rules**—HOA rules remain valid only if they don’t exceed what local law allows.
Kansas City (Jackson County)
- Typically allows up to **6 hens**; **no roosters** unless permitted and under strict nuisance rules.
- Permit often required; coop placement and cleanliness rules apply.
- Subdivision covenants may still limit even if city allows.
St. Louis City
- Standard limit up to **8 hens** on lots under 10,000 sq ft; more allowed on larger lots.
- **Roosters prohibited** in residential zones.
- Permit required for lots under minimum size; setbacks and coop standards enforced.
Lee’s Summit (Jackson County suburb)
- City code allows up to **6 hens per tract**, even with multiple dwellings.
- Only **female chickens** allowed; **roosters banned**.
- Coops must be in rear yard and meet standard setbacks.
- Permit may be required.
Columbia (Boone County)
- Up to **6 hens allowed**; roosters not permitted.
- Permit may be required; coop standards and setbacks enforced.
Springfield (Greene County)
- Allows up to **6 hens**; **no roosters** in residential zones.
- Permit required for larger flocks or accessory structures.
- Coop and run must meet size and setback rules.
St. Charles (St. Charles County)
- Residents can keep up to **8 hens**, based on lot size.
- Roosters allowed only on lots **5 acres or more**.
- Permit often required; setback and coop placement rules enforced.
Independence (Jackson County)
- For lots under 1 acre: up to **6 hens**; for larger lots: up to **20 hens per acre**.
- Roosters prohibited on small lots; allowed on larger acreage.
- Permit required; coop zoning standards enforced.
Branson (Taney County)
- Up to **8 hens** permitted; **no roosters** allowed.
- Flight feathers must be clipped to prevent roaming.
- Permit required; coop and run enclosure standards apply.
Jefferson City (Cole County)
- Coop or enclosure must be at least **100 ft from neighbor dwellings** unless written permission is provided.
- Coops must be **clean, sanitary, and odor‑controlled**, with no rodent issues.
- No explicit numerical hen limit stated; local nuisance ordinance applies.
Creve Coeur (St. Louis County)
- Up to **8 hens** on lots **≥7,500 sq ft**. Additional hen per 2,500 sq ft up to 12 hens max.
- Only hens allowed; **roosters banned**.
- Coop maximum 12 ft tall, ≤100 sq ft floor area; minimum setbacks—rear yard only, ≥5 ft from rear line, same side yards as main building.
- Chickens must be kept clean and sanitary.
Byrnes Mill (Jefferson County)
- Backyard chicken permit required for any flock.
- Annual fee $25 for up to three years; permit revocable if code violated.
- Must submit site plan showing coop/run location relative to property lines and structures.
- Private covenants override city permit.
Clever (Christian County)
- Allows up to **6 hens per tract**; **no roosters**.
- Annual registration fee $5 with Code Enforcement.
- Permits required; coop must stay in rear yard.
Fulton (Callaway County)
- Ordinance sets up to **6 hens per property**, or **10 hens per acre**.
- Only **hens allowed**; **roosters banned**.
- Coops must be enclosed, clean, odor-free, and setback 10 ft from property lines and 25 ft from dwellings.
- Slaughter allowed indoors for personal use only.
Other Cities & Counties
- Many smaller towns follow patterns: 4–6 hens permitted, roosters banned, permit often required, coop setbacks enforced.
- Rural and agricultural zones often allow larger flocks and may permit roosters.
- HOAs cannot ban small flocks under HB 2062—but cities and counties still can through code.
Common Themes Across Missouri
- Most urban/suburban areas cap hens at **6–8**; rural zoning or acreage may allow more.
- **Roosters are usually prohibited**, except on large lots or farm zones.
- Most municipalities require **permits or registration**, with site plans and sometimes neighbor approval.
- COOPS must be **rear yard only, meet setback rules, enclosed, sanitary**, and prevent noise or odor.
- HOAs **no longer can ban** small flocks, but **local laws take precedence**.
- Commercial egg sales or breeding often restricted or prohibited.
Tips to Stay Legal
- Check whether your property is inside city limits or unincorporated county—rules differ.
- Look up local chicken or poultry ordinance via city or county planning website.
- Apply for required permits before erecting a coop or buying hens.
- Avoid keeping roosters unless permitted on your lot to avoid nuisance issues.
- Design coop with proper setback, predator protection, ventilation, and cleanliness.
- Manage feed and manure to avoid pests and odors.
- HOA rules can restrict further—ensure compliance with both local law and covenants.
Why These Rules Matter
Chicken ordinances help ensure your flock doesn’t become a nuisance. Setbacks keep coops away from neighbors, permit processes ensure planning, and coop standards promote hygiene and animal welfare. The balance allows individuals to keep hens for fresh eggs while protecting neighborhood quality of life.
Final Thoughts
In Missouri, chicken keeping is largely governed at the local level—counties and cities set their own limits and rules. Many allow up to six hens and ban roosters; larger flocks require permits and may need neighbor consent. While a new state law prevents HOAs from outright banning up to six hens on adequately sized lots, **local ordinances still control** the real details. If you share your city, town, or county—or even your address—I can help you find the exact current rules that apply to your property.