Chicken Laws by County in Kansas

Whether you’re living in Wichita, a Kansas City suburb, or a rural county in the heartland, raising backyard chickens is a rewarding way to access fresh eggs, teach kids about responsibility, and embrace a more sustainable lifestyle. But here’s what you must know first: chicken laws in Kansas vary widely by county, city, and zoning district.

In this comprehensive guide, we break down chicken laws by county in Kansas, helping you stay compliant while building the perfect home for your flock.

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Are Backyard Chickens Legal in Kansas?

Yes, backyard chickens are legal in Kansas, but there is no statewide chicken law. That means each county, city, and township can set its own ordinances regarding:

• Whether chickens are allowed in residential zones

• The number of hens you can keep

• Whether roosters are allowed

• Coop placement and setbacks

• Required permits or registration

• Nuisance and noise restrictions

Before you begin your backyard poultry journey, plan your coop the right way with the chicken coop calculator to ensure enough space for your hens and compliance with local regulations.

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Chicken Laws by County in Kansas

Here’s a breakdown of chicken-keeping regulations across key counties in Kansas. Always verify details with your local zoning or planning department.

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Sedgwick County (Including Wichita)

Are chickens allowed in Wichita?
Yes—with specific rules.

• Up to 5 hens allowed in single-family residential zones

• Roosters are prohibited

• Coops must be:

  • In the rear yard only

  • At least 20 feet from any residence

  • Enclosed, clean, and free of odor

• Chickens must be confined at all times—free-ranging is not allowed in neighborhoods

• No permit required for non-commercial flocks

In unincorporated Sedgwick County, larger flocks may be allowed in agricultural zones.

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Johnson County (Including Overland Park, Olathe, Lenexa)

• Overland Park:

  • Chickens are allowed on lots at least 1 acre

  • Up to 6 hens, no roosters

  • Coop must be 50 feet from property lines

• Olathe:

  • Allows up to 6 hens, roosters banned

  • Setback: 15 feet from property lines

  • Coop must be in rear yard only

• Lenexa:

  • Chickens allowed in residential zones with prior approval

  • No roosters, maximum of 6 hens

  • Coop must be enclosed and sanitary

Johnson County is suburban, and HOAs often have stricter rules, so check your neighborhood covenants.

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Douglas County (Including Lawrence)

Lawrence, KS:

• Chickens are allowed in all residential zones

• Up to 20 hens allowed depending on lot size

• Roosters are prohibited

• Coop requirements:

  • Must be 25 feet from neighboring dwellings

  • Enclosed, secure, and clean

• A $20 permit is required through the Planning & Development office

• Chickens must be confined to avoid nuisance complaints

Outside Lawrence, Douglas County allows more freedom in rural and AG-zoned areas.

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Shawnee County (Including Topeka)

• Topeka allows:

  • Up to 6 hens

  • Roosters are not allowed

  • Coop must be:

    • At least 10 feet from property lines

    • Clean, enclosed, and in the rear yard

• No permit required for backyard flocks

• In unincorporated areas of Shawnee County, residents in rural zones may keep larger flocks and roosters

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Wyandotte County (Including Kansas City, KS)

• Chickens are permitted in most residential zones

• City of Kansas City, KS allows:

  • Up to 10 hens

  • No roosters in residential zones

  • Coop must be:

    • 25 feet from adjacent dwellings

    • Kept clean and enclosed

• Chickens must not be free-roaming and must not create odor or noise issues

Unincorporated areas of Wyandotte County generally follow Unified Government guidelines.

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Riley County (Including Manhattan)

Manhattan, KS chicken ordinance:

• Residents may keep up to 10 hens

• Roosters are not allowed

• A $25 permit is required

• Coops must:

  • Be 20 feet from neighboring homes

  • Be predator-proof, clean, and enclosed

• Annual inspections may occur

Rural Riley County permits larger flocks and roosters, especially in AG or open space zones.

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Leavenworth County

• In unincorporated areas, chickens are allowed with few restrictions

• Roosters are generally allowed

• Flocks may be unlimited in AG-zoned properties

• City of Leavenworth allows:

  • Up to 6 hens, no roosters

  • Coop must be:

    • In the backyard

    • 15 feet from any property line

  • Chickens must be enclosed and not a nuisance

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Saline County (Including Salina)

City of Salina:

• Chickens are allowed in single-family residential zones

• Up to 5 hens, no roosters

• Coop must be:

  • 15 feet from dwellings

  • Kept in the rear yard

  • Secure and regularly cleaned

• Permit may be required for larger lots or AG use

Unincorporated areas in Saline County allow roosters and larger flocks with minimal regulation.

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Harvey County (Including Newton)

• Newton allows chickens under the following rules:

  • Up to 6 hens

  • No roosters

  • Coop placement: minimum 10 feet from structures

  • Fencing and enclosure required

• Permit usually not required for non-commercial purposes

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Common Chicken Laws Across Kansas Counties

Here’s a snapshot of what most cities and counties in Kansas require:

Before building your coop, use the chicken coop calculator to ensure your setup is up to code and chicken-approved.

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Urban vs. Rural Chicken Laws in Kansas

Urban/Suburban Zones (e.g., Wichita, Lawrence, Overland Park):

• Limited to 4–6 hens

• Roosters prohibited

• Permit often required

• Strict coop placement and sanitation rules

• HOA restrictions may apply

Rural/Unincorporated Zones:

• Larger flocks allowed

• Roosters permitted

• No permit usually required

• Greater flexibility in coop design and placement

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How to Find Chicken Laws in Your Kansas Community

Don’t assume your neighbor’s setup is legal—check your own zoning:

1. Determine your property’s zoning (residential, agricultural, etc.)

2. Search your city or county’s municipal code online

3. Call your local planning or zoning office to confirm

4. Review HOA covenants, which may be stricter than city ordinances

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Planning a Legal Chicken Coop in Kansas

Make sure your coop is both code-compliant and chicken-friendly:

• 4 sq. ft. per chicken inside the coop

• 8–10 sq. ft. per chicken in the run

• Secure fencing and roof to protect from predators

• Proper setbacks based on your county/city laws

• Clean, dry bedding and regular sanitation

Need help designing your setup? Try the chicken coop calculator to tailor your coop dimensions to your flock and local ordinances.

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Conclusion

Raising backyard chickens in Kansas is completely doable—as long as you follow the rules. Every county and city has its own approach to urban agriculture, so it’s crucial to check your local ordinances before setting up your flock.

Whether you’re in a Wichita neighborhood or a rural patch of Leavenworth County, planning ahead helps you stay legal, avoid fines, and keep both your neighbors and your hens happy.

Ready to build your coop? Use this chicken coop calculator to plan a compliant and comfortable space for your chickens—so you can enjoy the rewards of backyard poultry the right way