If you want to raise hens in North Carolina, it’s smart to check local rules first. Rules can vary between cities, towns, counties—even within the city limits or unincorporated areas. This article explains state-level guidance and then offers real examples from cities and counties. It’s written in simple English and easy to follow.
State-Level Guidance
North Carolina does not set a statewide limit on backyard hens, but state animal health rules still apply. If you import chickens or eggs, they must come from clean, certified flocks. Biosecurity is important—keep coops clean, separate from wild birds, and report sick birds. Counties and cities usually require registration or permits and enforce sanitary standards.
Tips from NC State Cooperative Extension
The NC State Extension office suggests checking city limits or subdivision covenants before getting chickens. Many places forbid chickens altogether or ban roosters. You may need to gather support and ask your local board to agree to allow hens. A typical modern ordinance allows hens but limits roosters, coop size, and maintenance standards.
Examples of Local Rules Across the State
Apex
Apex allows hens in most zones. Roosters are prohibited. Some zoning districts require an accessory‐use permit to keep backyard chickens. The exact number depends on your parcel size and zoning district.
Asheboro
Up to eight chickens allowed. No roosters. Your coop must be at least 30 feet from property lines. Chickens must not become a nuisance.
Asheville
Yes, hens are allowed but a permit is required. Limits may depend on neighborhood zoning.
Carrboro (Orange County)
Carrboro allows up to twenty fowl (including hens and rabbits) on single-family properties. A permit from Orange County Animal Services is needed. You must submit a site plan that shows coop distance from property lines and nearby homes. Coops must be predator- and rodent‑proof, sanitary, and clean. Fowl must not roam free and must be confined within your property. If noise becomes excessive, the town may revoke the permit. Annual inspections apply.
Cary
Backyard hens are allowed depending on zoning district. Most areas need an Accessory Use Permit. Roosters are banned. Number of hens depends on parcel size.
Charlotte
Charlotte allows up to twenty chickens per acre, proportionately fewer for smaller lots. A permit is required and there’s an inspection. Coops must offer at least four square feet per chicken, be well ventilated, at least 18 inches tall, and located at least 25 feet from property lines or neighboring houses. Roosters are not allowed.
Concord
Allowed, with up to fifteen hens depending on lot size. Permits are required. No roosters allowed.
Durham
Up to ten hens allowed. Roosters are prohibited. You may need a permit and coop must be at least fifteen feet from property lines.
Fayetteville
Permits required, up to ten hens allowed. Roosters are banned. Coops must meet setbacks and sanitary standards.
Greensboro
Hens are allowed on lots over 7,000 sq ft. Between 7,000 and 12,000 sq ft you can have four hens. Lots larger than 20,000 sq ft may have up to twenty hens. Roosters are prohibited, and a permit may be required depending on zoning.
High Point
You may keep a maximum of five hens at a single-family house. Roosters are not allowed. Coops must stay in the backyard and meet cleanliness standards.
Holly Springs
Up to three hens allowed in residential or agricultural districts with at least 10,000 sq ft lot size. Roosters are prohibited. A permit may be required.
Huntersville
Allowed at a rate of twenty chickens per acre, with appropriate coop and setback rules. Coops must be at least fifteen feet from property lines. Roosters not allowed.
Kannapolis
On lots of at least half an acre, up to six hens allowed; on one-acre lots, up to twelve hens. Screened coops must be at least ten feet from property lines; un‑screened ones at least twenty feet. No roosters allowed.
Laurinburg
Up to five hens with a permit. Roosters are banned.
Mebane
Up to ten hens per acre allowed. Roosters not allowed. A permit is required.
Morganton
Five hens allowed on at least one acre lot. Coops must be at least fifty feet from property lines. No roosters.
New Bern
Ten hens allowed. A permit is required. Coops must be at least thirty feet from property lines. Chickens must not become a nuisance. Roosters are prohibited.
Raleigh
One hen per 1,000 square feet is permitted, up to ten hens total. Roosters are banned. Coops must be at least twenty‑five feet from property lines. Permits may be required depending on location.
Rocky Mount
Allowed but a permit is required. Up to limits that depend on lot size and zoning. Roosters generally not permitted.
Wilmington
Lots over 15,000 sq ft may keep up to five hens. A permit is required. Roosters are prohibited.
Winston‑Salem
Up to five hens allowed. Coops must be in the backyard and at least twenty feet from property lines. Roosters are banned.
County Jurisdiction and Zoning
In unincorporated county areas, counties may enforce zoning and livestock rules. For example, some counties treat backyard chickens like livestock and limit them accordingly. In cities where zoning overlaps or extends beyond city limits, carryover city rules may apply.
General Themes You’ll See Often
- Roosters are usually banned to prevent noise complaints.
- Most places limit hens based on lot size or acreage.
- Permits or licenses are often required, with fees and inspections.
- Coops must meet distance (setback) requirements and be sanitary.
- Feed must be stored in rodent-proof containers and food must not be scattered.
- Complaints about odors, pests, or noise can lead to code violations or loss of permit.
- Egg sales are usually prohibited—hens are for personal use only.
Quick Checklist Before Starting
- Look up your specific city, town, or county code online—or ask your local planning or animal control department.
- Check if a permit or registration is required for hens.
- Find out how many hens are allowed and whether lot size matters.
- Confirm that roosters are not allowed in your area.
- Review coop and run setback rules from lot lines, homes, and streets.
- Make sure coops meet cleanliness, ventilation, and predator-proof standards.
- Store feed securely in rodent-proof containers.
- Know whether complaints can result in permit revocation.
- Double-check if egg sales or hatching of chicks is disallowed.
Why These Rules Exist
Rules help protect public health, keep neighbors comfortable, and ensure humane treatment of chickens. Noise, smell, flies, and disease are real concerns. Having rules about coop size, setback distances, food storage, and permit oversight keeps things safe and respectful. Usually no one wants to enforce against someone doing it right—and keeping things clean helps neighbors and community feel okay about chickens.
Conclusion
Raising hens in North Carolina is doable, but local rules matter. Before you order chicks, check your city or county’s code. If a permit is needed, follow the steps. Build a well‑ventilated coop in your backyard, keep feed secure, and make sure your hens don’t bother your neighbors. Done right, hens can bring fresh eggs, garden benefits, and a fun hobby to your home.
Good luck with your backyard flock—may you enjoy fresh eggs the legal way!