Are Chickens Allowed in Palm Coast, Florida?

BySusan Medlin

Yes — but only under specific conditions. As of mid-2025, Palm Coast has launched a **pilot program** to allow some residents to keep backyard chickens. However, in most cases, keeping chickens is *not* allowed under the city’s standard zoning rules unless your property meets certain zoning or lot size criteria. Here’s what you need to know.

What the Existing Code Says

Prior to the pilot program, Palm Coast’s land-use / animal ordinances prohibited chickens (and other “farm animals”) for most residential lots. Key details include:

  • “Farm animals” (such as chickens, ducks, rabbits, geese, etc.) are only allowed in properties located in the **Agriculture (AGR)** zoning district. These parcels are generally large (minimum 5 acres). :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
  • The **Rural Estate (EST-2)** zoning district may allow farm animals via **Special Exception approval** from the Planning & Land Development Regulation Board. These lots have lower minimum size (≈2.5 acres) than AGR, but still much larger than typical suburban residential lots. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
  • Most residential lots in Palm Coast are smaller than 2.5 acres and are not zoned AGR or EST-2. Thus, under normal zoning, they are **not allowed** to have chickens or farm animals. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

What the Pilot Program Allows

Because many residents had been pushing for change, the city created a **limited pilot program** that relaxes the rules for a small group of residents under strict conditions. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

  • Up to **50 permits** will be issued, on a first-come, first-served basis. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
  • Each permit allows **up to four (4) chickens** per household. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
  • Roosters are **not permitted** under the pilot program. Only hens. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
  • Eligible participants must:

    • Live in a **single-family home** (not apartments, duplexes). :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
    • Own the home (renters generally are not eligible). :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
    • Not be part of an HOA that forbids chickens. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
    • Submit a site plan showing where the coop will go. Coop must be in the backyard and meet certain setback rules. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
    • Complete an educational course on raising chickens (through University of Florida extension or similar). :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
    • Pay a permit fee (about **$50**) valid for two years. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
  • Coop size and height limits: coop can’t exceed ~100 sq ft and must be no taller than 6 ft. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
  • Setback rules: coop must be at least 7.5 ft from property line; manure bin at least 20 ft from property line. On corner lots, additional visibility or location restrictions (must be behind street-facing facade). :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
  • Eggs may be for personal/family use only (no selling). No slaughtering allowed. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

What Happens Outside the Pilot Program

  • If your property is **not in AGR zoning** or EST-2 with special exception, and not selected in the pilot program, chickens are *not allowed* under standard code. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
  • Properties in AGR or EST-2 with special exception might still be able to legally keep chickens — even outside the pilot — under the pre-existing code provisions. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

What to Do If You Want to Keep Chickens in Palm Coast

  1. Check your lot’s zoning district (look whether you’re AGR, EST-2, or regular residential). Palm Coast’s zoning map or code will show this.
  2. If you’re in AGR or EST-2 (or eligible), see if you can apply for special exception (for EST-2) or check if farm animals are already permitted.
  3. If you want to participate in the pilot program, apply early (there are only 50 permits). Prepare your site plan, ensure coop meets size, setback, height rules.
  4. Make sure no HOA or deed restriction forbids chickens for your property. Those may override city/permit allowances.
  5. Complete the required education course if you are applying under the pilot.
  6. Plan for coop purchase or build to meet size and height, with predator protection, proper waste/odor control.

Conclusion

So, in summary: **chickens are not broadly allowed** in Palm Coast under the regular zoning rules — only in large lots zoned for agriculture, or via special exceptions. But the city has now introduced a pilot program which allows **some qualifying residents** to legally keep up to four hens, under a permit and specific conditions. If your lot, home, and zoning meet the requirements, you *may* be able to keep chickens legally in Palm Coast under the pilot program.