If you’re planning to keep backyard hens in Tennessee, it’s crucial to check local laws first. There is no single statewide law governing small flocks—each city or county sets its own rules. Some places allow hens freely, others restrict them strictly or ban them entirely. Here’s an overview of key cities and trends across Tennessee.
Statewide Context
Tennessee treats chickens largely under municipal zoning. Most animal health standards apply at a commercial level, but small flocks are regulated locally. Some areas allow chickens without a permit, while others require licenses, setback rules, or restrict them to certain zones. Urban areas tend to have stricter rules.
Good planning and early coordination with neighbors and local offices help a lot.
Major City and County Rules
Nashville / Davidson County
Residents with less than five acres may keep hens only with a permit from the Metro Health Department. Roosters are not allowed. Number of hens depends on lot size and zoning. The coop must be enclosed, predator-proof, fenced-in, and set back according to zoning requirements. Permits are renewed annually. A site inspection is required before approval.:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Knoxville (Knox County)
Knoxville allows backyard hens—up to six hens are permitted. Roosters are prohibited. A permit from city zoning is required. Coops must be clean, well ventilated, predator-resistant, and meet setback rules. Free-ranging is banned.:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Chattanooga (Hamilton County)
The city recently approved an ordinance allowing backyard hens even on lots under two acres. Residents may keep up to eight hens. Roosters are prohibited. Chickens must stay in enclosed rear yard enclosures. Permit and inspection likely required. Previous restrictions allowed chickens only on agricultural zones or lots over five acres; the new rules expand legality city-wide in residential zones.:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Memphis (Shelby County)
Memphis allows backyard hens in most zones with no set limit. Roosters are allowed but subject to noise regulations. No permit is generally required. Residents must follow general code compliance regarding sanitation, nuisance, and enclosure standards.:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Murfreesboro (Rutherford County)
The city allows up to six hens. Roosters are allowed but must maintain minimum distance from neighbors—typically 2,000 feet. No permit is required. Caring standards and enclosure rules apply.:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Clarksville (Montgomery County)
Clarksville allows up to eight hens with a permit and requires that the property be owner-occupied. Roosters are banned. Coops must provide at least two square feet per chicken, and runs at least six square feet per chicken, with a total enclosure limit. Coops/enclosures must be no larger than allowed by ordinance and located in rear yards, 10 feet from property lines. A one-time $50 permit is required, as is a building permit for coop structure. Breeding, outdoor slaughter, and egg sales are prohibited. A screening buffer is also required.:contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Gallatin (Sumner County)
Gallatin residents must obtain an annual license ($25) plus a $50 building permit. Up to six hens are allowed; roosters are prohibited. Hens must be kept in a fenced enclosure or coop, secured at night, and coop areas can’t be closer than ten feet to any property line. No breeding, egg sales, or slaughtering. Enclosures must provide at least two sq ft per hen inside the coop and six sq ft in the run.:contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Cookeville (Putnam County)
In Cookeville city limits, you must have at least five acres to keep chickens, and it must be securely fenced. Only one animal per 1.5 acres is allowed. The coop must be at least 200 feet from neighboring residences. Free-range or small-lot chicken keeping is not allowed.:contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
General Themes Across Tennessee
- Hens only: almost all cities ban roosters unless lots are large or zoned agriculture.
- 6–8 hens is common maximum; larger allowances require acreage or agricultural zoning.
- Permits or licenses are needed in many cities (e.g., Nashville, Chattanooga, Gallatin, Clarksville).
- Setback and enclosure rules ensure coops are far from property lines and neighbor homes.
- Coops and runs must be predator-resistant, clean, ventilated; food must be stored securely.
- Free-ranging chickens are not allowed in city limits—must stay in enclosure or supervised.
- Complaints (noise, odor, pests) may result in fines or revocation of permits.
- Commercial uses like egg sales, breeding, or slaughter are almost always prohibited for small flocks.
Checklist Before Getting Chickens in Tennessee
- Find out if your property lies within city limits or in unincorporated county land.
- Contact local code enforcement, zoning, or animal control offices.
- Confirm whether chickens are allowed and if a permit/license is required.
- Ask how many hens are permitted and whether roosters are banned or restricted.
- Learn setback rules for coops and runs relative to property lines and neighboring homes.
- Ensure coop and run meet minimum square feet per bird and are enclosed and safe.
- Make sure feed is stored securely; chicken waste must be removed regularly.
- Check whether chickens require containment at night or during specific hours.
- Inquire whether complaints or violations can result in permit revocation or fines.
- If your property is in an HOA or has restrictive covenants, check their rules too.
Why These Rules Exist
Local rules aim to maintain health, safety, and neighborhood peace. Coops can attract pests and create odor. Roosters often crow loudly and early. Setbacks and permit oversight ensure coops are not visible or offensive to neighbors. Permits allow officials to inspect and ensure sanitary conditions. Rules that limit numbers, restrict breeding, and prevent free roaming help prevent nuisance and disease. Following these rules means you can enjoy hens safely and legally.
Conclusion
Keeping backyard hens in Tennessee is possible—but local rules vary widely. Cities like Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Memphis, Murfreesboro, Clarksville, Gallatin, and Cookeville each manage chicken keeping differently. Generally hens are allowed, roosters banned, with requirements on permits, setbacks, and coop standards. Before ordering chicks, check with your local office, design a safe coop in the correct location, and follow all requirements. Then enjoy fresh eggs the proper way!
Best of luck starting your backyard flock in Tennessee!