Chicken Laws by County in Arkansas

If you’re thinking about raising chickens in Arkansas, you’re in good company. From rural towns to suburban backyards, Arkansans are embracing the joys of fresh eggs and self-sufficiency. But before you build that coop or bring home your first hens, it’s crucial to understand your local chicken laws.

This guide breaks down chicken laws by county in Arkansas, helping you avoid legal headaches and start your flock with confidence.

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Are Chickens Legal in Arkansas?

Yes, you can legally raise chickens in Arkansas, but the specifics vary by county, city, and even neighborhood. Arkansas has no statewide law regulating backyard chickens. Instead, it’s up to local governments and zoning departments to decide:

• Whether chickens are allowed in residential zones

• The number of chickens permitted

• Whether roosters are allowed

• How far your coop must be from property lines or homes

• Permit or registration requirements

So before you crack your first homegrown egg, take the time to learn your area’s rules—and calculate how much coop space your chickens need to stay within code.

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Why Chicken Laws Vary by County and City

Each Arkansas county or municipality creates its own ordinances based on:

• Zoning classifications (residential, agricultural, rural)

• Population density (urban vs. rural)

• Nuisance concerns (noise, odor, pest control)

• HOA or neighborhood rules, which may be stricter than city ordinances

That means while rural areas often allow chickens freely, cities like Little Rock or Fayetteville might have strict rules—or require special permits.

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Chicken Laws by County in Arkansas

Let’s go county-by-county and look at what the major areas across Arkansas allow when it comes to backyard chickens.

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Pulaski County (Including Little Rock)

Can you raise chickens in Little Rock?
Yes, with limits.

• Chickens are allowed in residential areas.

• Roosters are prohibited due to noise complaints.

• Up to 4 hens allowed on residential lots.

• Coops must be 20 feet from property lines and cleaned regularly.

• Chickens must remain in a fenced or enclosed area.

Permits may be required, and HOAs in Little Rock subdivisions often restrict poultry, so always check both city and neighborhood rules.

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Benton County (Including Bentonville and Rogers)

• Chickens are permitted in most unincorporated areas.

• Cities like Bentonville allow backyard chickens with certain restrictions:

  • No roosters

  • Maximum of 6 hens

  • Coops must be in rear yards and 25 feet from neighboring dwellings

• Rogers has similar rules and requires cleanliness to avoid nuisance complaints.

Benton County is generally chicken-friendly, especially outside city limits.

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Washington County (Including Fayetteville and Springdale)

Are chickens legal in Fayetteville?
Yes, and Fayetteville encourages sustainable urban agriculture.

• Up to 20 chickens allowed on lots 1 acre or larger.

• On smaller lots, you can have up to 4 hens without a permit.

• Roosters are not allowed within city limits.

• Coops must be 10 feet from property lines and kept clean.

• A $10 annual permit may be required for flocks over 4 hens.

Springdale has similar rules, with strict coop placement guidelines and no roosters.

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Sebastian County (Including Fort Smith)

• In Fort Smith, backyard chickens are allowed but roosters are banned.

• Residents may keep up to 6 hens for personal use.

• Coops must be 30 feet from any neighboring dwelling.

• No permit is required, but nuisance complaints can lead to removal.

In unincorporated areas of the county, there are fewer restrictions, especially in agricultural zones.

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Garland County (Including Hot Springs)

• Chickens are allowed in most parts of Hot Springs, but:

  • No roosters

  • Limit of 5 hens

  • Coops must be clean and predator-proof

  • Setback requirement: 20 feet from property lines

• HOA rules may further restrict chicken keeping in newer developments.

Hot Springs is moderately chicken-friendly, but permits may be needed for larger flocks.

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Craighead County (Including Jonesboro)

Can you have chickens in Jonesboro?
Yes, with regulations.

• Chickens are allowed in most residential zones.

• No roosters allowed

• Maximum of 6 hens

• Coop must be placed at least 25 feet from all neighboring homes

• Birds must be confined to your property at all times

Coops must meet health and safety standards to avoid fines or complaints.

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Faulkner County (Including Conway)

• Conway allows residents to keep up to 4 hens in residential zones.

• Roosters are prohibited.

• A permit may be required depending on your zoning classification.

• Coops must be located in the rear yard and meet 15–25 foot setback rules.

Faulkner County’s unincorporated areas are generally more lenient.

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Saline County (Including Benton and Bryant)

• Chickens are allowed in most residential and agricultural areas.

• In Benton and Bryant, local ordinances may:

  • Limit chickens to 4–6 hens

  • Ban roosters

  • Require coops to be 15–30 feet away from other homes

• Permits may be needed if your neighborhood falls under stricter zoning.

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What Most Arkansas Counties Require: Common Chicken Laws

Although laws vary, here are the most common rules found across Arkansas:

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Rural vs. Urban Chicken Rules in Arkansas

Here’s how your location influences your chicken-keeping freedom:

Urban/Suburban Areas:

• Hen limits (4–6)

• Roosters banned

• Coop placement restrictions

• Permits may be needed

• HOA rules often apply

Rural/Unincorporated Areas:

• Fewer or no flock limits

• Roosters allowed

• Larger coops permitted

• No permit needed

If you’re in a rural zone, you’re in luck—you likely have much more freedom. But even then, it’s smart to calculate how much coop space your chicken needs to avoid overcrowding and health issues.

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How to Find Chicken Laws in Your Specific Area

Don’t assume what your neighbor’s doing is legal—here’s how to find the facts:

1. Check your zoning: Use your city or county’s GIS tool or contact the planning department.

2. Search your local code of ordinances: Most cities post them online.

3. Ask your HOA: Neighborhood associations can override city rules.

4. Contact city hall: Get confirmation directly from zoning or code enforcement.

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Planning a Legal, Functional Chicken Coop

Once you know the rules, build your coop to meet both legal and chicken-comfort standards:

• 4 square feet per chicken inside the coop

• 8–10 square feet per chicken in the outdoor run

• 10–30 foot setback from neighboring properties

• Secure fencing and roofing to prevent escapes and predators

• Good ventilation and sun protection

Want help with the math? Use this chicken coop calculator to plan the perfect, code-compliant coop layout.

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Conclusion

Backyard chickens are a growing trend in Arkansas—and for good reason. They offer fresh eggs, natural pest control, and a taste of rural life right in your backyard. But before you get started, make sure you’re clear on your local chicken laws.

Whether you’re in Little Rock, Fayetteville, or a quiet piece of country land, the rules can vary dramatically. Don’t guess—use this chicken coop calculator to design your flock’s setup according to your local zoning.

Raise your chickens legally, responsibly, and confidently—because a happy flock starts with a well-informed chicken keeper.