Are Chickens Allowed in Olathe, Kansas?

BySusan Medlin

Yes — chickens *can* be kept in Olathe, Kansas, but whether you *can* do so on your particular property depends on a few important conditions like lot size, zoning, and obtaining proper permits. Below are the rules as of now, how they work, and what you should check before getting a flock.

What Olathe’s Regulations Say

Special Use Permits for Smaller Lots

If your property is less than 3 acres, you need a Special Use Permit to keep chickens. This permit is required under the Olathe Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).

Properties 3 Acres or More

If your property is 3 acres or larger, then a permit is generally *not* required to keep chickens. These larger properties are afforded more flexibility under the ordinance.

Number of Chickens & Restrictions

  • On permitted lots (i.e. via special permit), typically you’re limited to about 4 hens — no roosters.
  • You may not engage in breeding, boarding, or commercial selling of the chickens under that permit.

Coops, Enclosures, Setbacks, and Other Rules

  • Enclosures must give at least 2 square feet per chicken in the coop and include a run.
  • Chickens and poultry structures must obey setback rules. For example, in agricultural zones certain distance minimums apply.
  • Roosters are prohibited, especially in smaller acreage/special permit cases.

How the Permit Process Works

If you need a Special Use Permit (i.e., for properties less than 3 acres), here’s roughly what that involves:

  • Submit application to the city, indicating how many chickens (hens), coop/run design, distance from neighbors, etc.
  • There’s a public hearing component: other neighbors may be notified, and the Planning Commission and City Council review the request.
  • Permits are time-limited (often 5 years) and may need renewal.

Things to Confirm for Your Property

Before you get chickens, check:

  • Is your property under or over 3 acres? If over, permit likely not required. If under, you’ll need special approval.
  • What zoning is your lot in (e.g. R-1, Agricultural, etc.)? Different zones have different rules.
  • Are there applicable setback rules (distance to property lines, neighboring dwellings)? You’ll need to ensure compliance.
  • Does your coop design meet the minimum space (coop + run) requirements? Are you okay with no roosters?
  • What are the fees and time required to get the special use permit? Be prepared for public notice, hearings, possibly other administrative work.

Summary

So yes — chickens *are allowed in Olathe*, but with conditions. If your lot is smaller than 3 acres, you need a special permit, must limit to hens (no roosters), abide by coop/enclosure rules, and follow setback requirements. If your lot is 3 acres or more, the requirements are much more relaxed and you likely won’t need a permit.

If you want, I can pull up the most recent version of the Olathe code (as of 2025) and see if there have been any changes for your specific address. Would you like me to do that?