Chicken Laws by County in Georgia

Thinking about raising chickens in Georgia? You’re not alone. From the suburbs of Atlanta to rural farmland, Georgians are embracing backyard poultry for fresh eggs, self-sufficiency, and sustainable living. But here’s the thing: chicken laws in Georgia vary by county, city, and zoning district.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk through chicken laws by county in Georgia, so you can start your flock legally, confidently, and hassle-free.

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Are Backyard Chickens Legal in Georgia?

Yes, chickens are legal in Georgia, but the rules depend on your local zoning laws, which are enforced by counties, municipalities, and in some cases, homeowner associations (HOAs). There’s no statewide chicken law—what’s allowed in one county might be banned in the next town over.

Your local chicken laws are usually based on:

• Zoning classification (residential, agricultural, rural, etc.)

• Lot size

• Number of birds allowed

• Rooster regulations

• Setbacks and coop placement

• Permits or nuisance clauses

Before building your coop, make sure you calculate how much coop space your chickens need to stay compliant and give your flock enough room.

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Chicken Laws by Major Counties in Georgia

Let’s break it down by county and highlight the rules in some of Georgia’s most populated and chicken-curious areas.

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Fulton County (Including Atlanta)

Can you have chickens in Atlanta?
Yes, but the city and county have different regulations depending on where you live.

City of Atlanta:

• Chickens are allowed in residential zones

• No limit on number of hens

• Roosters are allowed, but discouraged due to noise complaints

• Chickens must be kept in enclosed coops

• Coops must be 20 feet from property lines

Unincorporated Fulton County:

• Chickens allowed in AG and some residential zones

• Roosters often not allowed in subdivisions

• Setback requirements typically 20–50 feet from neighboring dwellings

Always check if your home falls under Atlanta’s city ordinance or county jurisdiction.

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DeKalb County

• Backyard chickens allowed in residential areas

• Most zones permit up to 6 hens

• Roosters are banned

• Coops must be in rear yard and 25 feet from property lines

• Chickens must be enclosed and not roam freely

City of Decatur has similar rules, but some neighborhoods may add HOA restrictions.

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Cobb County

• Chickens allowed in AG and R-20 (residential) zones

• Roosters are not permitted in residential districts

• You can keep up to 8 hens

• Setbacks: 25 feet from property lines and 50 feet from adjacent residences

• Coop must be well-maintained and predator-proof

Marietta and other incorporated cities may have separate ordinances, so always confirm with local zoning.

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Gwinnett County

• Backyard chickens are allowed in residential and rural zones

• No roosters allowed in suburban subdivisions

• Up to 6 hens permitted

• Coop must be located at least 25 feet from neighboring homes

• No permit required unless raising birds commercially

HOAs in Gwinnett neighborhoods often override county law, so check your deed restrictions before building a coop.

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Cherokee County

• Chickens allowed in most residential and AG-zoned areas

• Roosters permitted in rural and agricultural zones

• Coop must be:

  • Located 50 feet from any property line

  • Enclosed and secure

• No flock limit in AG zones; residential zones may restrict to 6–10 hens

Cherokee is one of the more chicken-friendly counties in metro Atlanta, especially outside city limits.

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Hall County (Including Gainesville)

• Chickens allowed in residential and AG zones

• No more than 8 hens on residential lots

• Roosters are not permitted in residential districts

• Minimum lot size: 10,000 sq. ft. for keeping chickens

• Setbacks: 50 feet from dwellings, 25 feet from property lines

If you’re in unincorporated Hall County, you’re likely to have more flexibility.

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Clayton County

• Chickens allowed on lots larger than 1 acre

• Roosters are not permitted

• Flock limit of 6 hens

• Coop must be 40 feet from all structures

• Permit may be required for large flocks or commercial use

Clayton is one of the stricter counties when it comes to residential poultry keeping.

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Chatham County (Including Savannah)

Can you have chickens in Savannah?
Yes—with conditions.

• Up to 5 hens allowed

• Roosters are banned

• Chickens must be kept in the backyard only

• Coop must be 25 feet from all property lines

• Permit may be required depending on lot size

Rural areas in Chatham County have fewer restrictions and often allow roosters and larger flocks.

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Muscogee County (Including Columbus)

• Chickens are allowed on residential lots over ½ acre

• Up to 6 hens

• No roosters allowed

• Coop must be:

  • 25 feet from any residence

  • Clean and well-ventilated

• Permit not required for non-commercial use

Columbus city ordinances follow similar guidelines but check for any neighborhood-level restrictions.

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Bibb County (Including Macon)

• Backyard chickens allowed with limitations

• Roosters are prohibited

• Up to 5 hens allowed in residential zones

• Coops must be:

  • 30 feet from property lines

  • Located in rear yard only

• Chickens must be enclosed and not free-range

Backyard poultry is growing in Macon, but neighbors must not be disturbed by noise or odor.

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Common Chicken Laws Across Georgia

While ordinances vary, here are the general rules you’ll find in most Georgia counties:

To ensure your setup meets local guidelines, try this chicken coop calculator—it’s the easiest way to plan a legal and healthy living space for your flock.

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Urban vs. Rural Chicken Laws in Georgia

Urban/Suburban Areas:

• Flock limits usually capped at 4–6 hens

• Roosters banned

• Tight setbacks and coop restrictions

• May be subject to HOA rules

• More complaints from neighbors if rules aren’t followed

Rural/Unincorporated Zones:

• Roosters often allowed

• Larger flocks permitted

• More relaxed rules on setbacks

• Generally no permits required

If you’re in a rural or agricultural zone, you’re likely to enjoy more freedom—but always verify your local ordinances to be safe.

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How to Find Your County’s Chicken Laws

Here’s how to confirm the legal chicken-keeping rules for your property:

1. Determine your zoning using your county’s GIS map or zoning department

2. Visit your city or county’s official website to read zoning ordinances

3. Call your planning or code enforcement office for clear answers

4. Ask your HOA if you’re in a deed-restricted neighborhood

Don’t assume you’re good to go just because your neighbor has a coop—zoning can vary street by street.

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How to Build a Legal Chicken Coop in Georgia

Whether you live in rural farmland or an Atlanta suburb, your coop must meet both legal and health standards:

• 4 sq. ft. per chicken inside the coop

• 8–10 sq. ft. per chicken in the run

• Secure fencing to keep predators out

• Proper ventilation and weather protection

• Complies with all required setbacks and placement rules

Not sure how much space you need? Use this chicken coop calculator to map out the perfect setup for your flock and your county’s laws.

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Conclusion

Raising chickens in Georgia is a rewarding experience—but only if you’re following the rules. Every county and city has different regulations, so it’s crucial to check your zoning, understand your flock limits, and comply with coop placement laws.

From Atlanta to Savannah, chicken keeping is alive and well in the Peach State—just make sure you do it legally.

Ready to get started? Use this chicken coop calculator to plan your flock’s home the right way from day one.

When you stay informed and compliant, raising chickens becomes not just legal—but joyful, sustainable, and deeply satisfying.