Can You Have Chickens in Hagerstown, MD? Everything You Need to Know About Backyard Chickens and Local Laws
Raising backyard chickens is becoming more popular than ever. Whether it’s the fresh eggs, the sustainable lifestyle, or simply the joy of having feathered companions, people across the country are discovering the rewards of small-scale poultry keeping. But before you go building a coop or picking out your favorite hen breeds, there’s one big question to answer:
Can you legally have chickens in Hagerstown, Maryland?
The answer depends on exactly where you live—inside the city limits or outside in Washington County—and what the zoning rules say about keeping poultry. This guide breaks down the rules, requirements, and practical considerations so you can know exactly where you stand.
Understanding the Rules: City Limits vs. County Lines
The first and most important factor is your location.
Hagerstown is governed by two main sets of rules:
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City of Hagerstown Ordinances (for those living inside city limits)
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Washington County Zoning Regulations (for those outside city limits but still with a Hagerstown address)
Where you fall determines what’s allowed.
Keeping Chickens Within Hagerstown City Limits
If you live inside the official city boundaries of Hagerstown, the rules are much stricter when it comes to livestock and poultry.
Are Chickens Allowed in the City?
No, keeping chickens is not allowed in most residential zones within Hagerstown city limits.
The city has ordinances that prohibit livestock and fowl—which includes chickens, ducks, roosters, turkeys, and similar animals—on residential properties. This rule applies even if you’re just trying to keep a few hens for personal egg production.
Why the Restriction?
The city’s reasoning is tied to:
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Health and sanitation concerns
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Noise complaints, particularly from roosters
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Potential odor or waste management issues
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Zoning consistency across residential neighborhoods
Essentially, these laws are in place to maintain urban living standards and avoid conflict between neighbors in densely populated areas.
Are There Any Exceptions?
The only exceptions would be if your property is zoned for agricultural use or falls under a rare exemption—which is extremely uncommon in city neighborhoods.
You might also have some room for negotiation if you’re part of an educational, nonprofit, or community agriculture initiative, but you’d likely need approval from city officials, and even then, the rules remain strict.
Bottom line: If you’re inside the city of Hagerstown, backyard chickens are not permitted under standard residential zoning.
Keeping Chickens Outside Hagerstown City Limits (Washington County)
Now, if your mailing address says “Hagerstown,” but you live outside the official city boundary—especially in rural or suburban areas—your property falls under Washington County zoning rules, which are much more poultry-friendly.
Are Chickens Allowed in Washington County?
Yes, chickens are allowed in many zoning districts throughout Washington County, including residential zones with rural or agricultural characteristics. However, there are specific rules and requirements you must follow.
What Zoning Districts Allow Chickens?
Some of the zones where backyard chickens are typically permitted include:
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RT (Rural Transition)
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RS (Rural Suburban)
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RU (Rural Urban)
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RM (Rural Mix)
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A(R) (Agricultural/Rural)
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EC (Environmental Conservation)
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RV (Rural Village)
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RB (Rural Business)
If your property falls under one of these categories, you can keep chickens—but you must follow setback and land-use rules to stay compliant.
Setback and Housing Requirements for Chickens
While chickens may be allowed, that doesn’t mean you can build a coop anywhere or keep them under any condition.
Minimum Distance Rules (Setbacks)
Most zoning regulations in Washington County require that:
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Chicken coops and runs be set back at least 100 feet from any neighboring residential dwelling (not just property lines).
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The structure must also comply with side and rear yard setbacks per the zoning district.
If your backyard is small or closely bordered by other houses, these setback rules can make it challenging to meet the requirements legally.
Note: The county has previously denied zoning variances for chicken coops placed too close to neighboring homes—even by a few feet.
Coop Size and Construction
If you’re planning a permanent structure like a chicken coop:
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Building permits may be required if the structure exceeds a certain square footage (typically 400 sq ft or more).
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Coops must be well-maintained, predator-proof, and built from safe, durable materials.
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You may be asked to submit site plans or layouts depending on the scope of your project.
Managing Waste and Environmental Impact
Chickens produce manure, and that means you’ll need to properly handle and store waste to avoid health risks or environmental issues.
Requirements May Include:
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Composting plans for manure
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Drainage control to prevent runoff into neighboring properties or stormwater systems
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Fly and odor control practices
For larger flocks (even backyard hobbyists), you may need to register a Nutrient Management Plan to remain compliant with Maryland environmental regulations.
Statewide Requirements for Chicken Owners in Maryland
No matter where you live in Maryland, if you keep poultry—including just a few backyard hens—you’re required to register your flock with the Maryland Department of Agriculture.
This registration:
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Helps track and control avian disease outbreaks
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Applies to all flocks, regardless of size
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Is free and simple to complete
This statewide rule ensures that poultry owners, including hobbyists, are part of the state’s effort to maintain healthy animal populations.
What If I Break the Rules?
Keeping chickens where they’re not permitted—especially within Hagerstown city limits—can lead to:
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Fines or citations
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Forced removal of animals
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Complaints from neighbors
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Possible involvement from animal control or code enforcement
Always check with local planning and zoning offices before acquiring chickens or building a coop. It’s much easier to prevent a problem than fix one later.
Final Thoughts: Can You Have Chickens in Hagerstown?
The answer to whether you can have chickens in Hagerstown, MD depends entirely on where your property is located and how it’s zoned.
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Inside the city of Hagerstown: Chickens are not allowed in typical residential areas.
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Outside city limits in Washington County: Chickens are allowed in many zones, as long as you follow setback, permitting, and health requirements.
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Everywhere in Maryland: You must register your flock with the state.
Before bringing home any birds, confirm your zoning, review all regulations, and contact your local planning department if you’re unsure. That way, you can enjoy the rewards of backyard chicken keeping without running afoul of the law.
Thinking about starting your own backyard flock? Double-check your zoning, sketch out a coop plan, and you’ll be one step closer to collecting fresh eggs from your own hens—with total peace of mind.