Birmingham Chicken Laws: How to Legally Raise Backyard Chickens

Thinking about raising backyard chickens in Birmingham, Alabama? You’re not alone. Chickens are a fun and practical way to enjoy fresh eggs, reduce waste, and live more sustainably. But before you build your coop or bring home a few hens, it’s critical to understand Birmingham’s chicken laws so you stay compliant and neighbor-friendly.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about raising chickens legally in Birmingham—including zoning rules, flock limits, coop placement, and rooster regulations.

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Are Chickens Allowed in Birmingham, Alabama?

Yes, chickens are allowed in Birmingham—but there are specific rules based on zoning, property size, and sanitation standards.

The city recognizes the value of urban agriculture and allows small backyard flocks under well-defined conditions. However, failing to follow the rules could result in citations, complaints, or forced removal of your flock.

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Birmingham Chicken Laws: Key Rules You Must Follow

Birmingham’s animal ordinances regulate chickens in residential areas to prevent nuisances and ensure public health.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Zoning Restrictions: Chickens are allowed in residential zones with specific conditions. Properties must be zoned to permit the keeping of small livestock or poultry.

• Permit Requirement: Residents must apply for a Special Animal Permit to keep chickens legally.

• Flock Size Limit: Most permits allow up to six (6) hens. Keeping more may require additional review.

• Roosters: Roosters are not permitted within city limits due to noise ordinances.

• Coop Placement: Coops must be in the backyard and set back at least 25 feet from property lines and neighboring structures.

• Enclosure Requirements: Chickens must be confined to a secure, enclosed coop or run—free-roaming is not allowed.

• Cleanliness: Chicken areas must be clean, dry, and odor-free to comply with nuisance and health regulations.

Need help getting started? Use Chicken Coop Calculator to design your coop and calculate your space, feeding, and enclosure needs based on local laws.

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Permits and Zoning in Birmingham

To legally keep chickens in Birmingham, you must apply for a Special Animal Permit through the city.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Contact the City of Birmingham’s Animal Control or Zoning Office to confirm your property’s eligibility.

2. Submit an application for a Special Animal Permit, which may include:

   • Coop plans and location

   • Property dimensions

   • Number of hens you plan to keep

3. Wait for approval—city officials may inspect your setup before granting final permission.

4. Check HOA or neighborhood covenants—some communities restrict poultry regardless of city ordinances.

Before you apply, use ChickenCoopCalculator.com to develop a professional, ordinance-compliant plan to include with your permit application.

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Chicken Coop Rules in Birmingham

A well-designed coop isn’t just smart—it’s required.

Coop Regulations:

• Backyard Only: Coops must be placed behind the main dwelling, not in side or front yards.

• Setbacks: Minimum 25 feet from property lines and nearby homes.

• Size Requirements:

  • 4 square feet per chicken inside the coop

  • 10 square feet per chicken in the outdoor run

• Structure Guidelines:

  • Fully enclosed and predator-proof

  • Ventilated, weather-resistant, and easy to clean

  • Designed to prevent odor and waste buildup

ChickenCoopCalculator.com makes it easy to design a compliant and low-maintenance coop layout tailored to your property size and flock needs.

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Are Roosters Allowed in Birmingham?

No—roosters are strictly prohibited within Birmingham city limits.

Due to crowing and neighborhood disturbances, roosters are not allowed under any standard permit. Even one complaint can trigger enforcement.

Good to know: Hens will lay eggs without a rooster, so there’s no need to have one unless you’re breeding—which is not permitted in most zones.

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How Many Chickens Can You Keep in Birmingham?

Residents with a Special Animal Permit may keep up to six (6) hens.

This limit is designed to prevent overcrowding, odor, and noise issues in urban and suburban neighborhoods.

Flock Size Overview:

To determine your legal flock size, start with Chicken Coop Calculator and build your plan based on your zoning and lot dimensions.

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What Happens If You Break Chicken Laws in Birmingham?

Violations of Birmingham’s chicken ordinances can lead to warnings, fines, or the loss of your flock.

Common Violations:

• Failing to get a permit before keeping chickens

• Exceeding the legal number of hens

• Keeping a rooster in a residential zone

• Building a coop too close to a neighbor’s home

• Failing to maintain sanitary conditions

If You Receive a Violation:

• Correct the issue immediately—whether it’s reducing flock size, removing a rooster, or cleaning your coop.

• Contact city officials to discuss compliance—they may offer a grace period.

• Use tools like Chicken Coop Calculator to realign your setup with legal requirements.

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Responsible Chicken Keeping in Birmingham

Following the rules is just one part of the puzzle—being a good chicken neighbor matters too.

Best Practices:

• Clean your coop weekly to eliminate smells and flies.

• Use dry bedding like pine shavings or straw to control waste.

• Secure food and water containers to avoid attracting rodents.

• Choose quiet, gentle breeds like Australorps, Buff Orpingtons, or Barred Rocks.

• Communicate with neighbors—offering eggs or a friendly heads-up can prevent complaints.

Plan all of this and more with ChickenCoopCalculator.com, which helps you organize your coop, flock, feeding, and sanitation schedule in one place.

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Why Raise Chickens in Birmingham?

Here’s what you gain by keeping chickens legally in the city:

• Fresh eggs daily

• Natural compost and fertilizer

• Reduced kitchen waste

• Fun and educational experience for kids and adults

• A healthier, more sustainable lifestyle

With proper planning, chickens are easy to manage—even in the city.

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Conclusion

Yes, you can raise chickens in Birmingham—but you must do it legally. That means applying for the proper permit, understanding your zoning, building a compliant coop, and keeping your flock healthy and neighbor-friendly.

Ready to start? Visit Chicken Coop Calculator to create a plan that checks every box—from zoning to coop design—so you can enjoy backyard chickens without worry.

Get your flock started right—with confidence, compliance, and care.