Chicken Laws by County in Kentucky

From the rolling hills of horse country to suburban backyards near Louisville and Lexington, Kentuckians are increasingly turning to backyard chickens for fresh eggs, food security, and sustainable living. But before you start building a coop or buying hens, there’s one important thing to understand: chicken laws in Kentucky are determined at the local level.

This detailed guide breaks down chicken laws by county in Kentucky, covering key cities, rural zones, and what you need to know to stay on the right side of the law—whether you’re in a tight-knit neighborhood or a wide-open farmstead.

Are Backyard Chickens Legal in Kentucky?

Yes, chickens are legal in Kentucky, but each county, city, and even neighborhood sets its own rules. There’s no statewide law governing backyard poultry. Instead, local governments establish rules based on:

Zoning classification (residential, agricultural, rural)
Lot size
Number of chickens allowed

Whether roosters are permitted
Coop placement and cleanliness standards
Permitting or registration

Before breaking ground on your coop, use this chicken coop calculator to ensure your setup meets space and zoning standards.

Here’s a breakdown of chicken laws across Kentucky’s most populated and active counties. Always check with your local planning and zoning department for confirmation, as city ordinances often override county laws.

Jefferson County (Including Louisville)

Can you have chickens in Louisville?
Yes—with specific rules.

Allowed in residential zones
Up to 5 hens permitted
Roosters are prohibited

Coops must be:
- Set back 10 feet from property lines
- Located in the rear yard
- Clean and enclosed
Permit required for 5 or more chickens
Chickens must be confined at all times

HOA restrictions may override city ordinances in suburban neighborhoods.

Fayette County (Including Lexington)

Chickens are legal in Lexington residential zones

Up to 6 hens allowed, no roosters
Coop requirements:
- 25 feet from neighboring dwellings
- Located behind the home
- Must be predator-proof and clean
Chickens must not create noise, odor, or pest issues

No permit required for small flocks (under 6 hens)

Lexington is chicken-friendly, but expect enforcement if complaints are filed.

Kenton County (Including Covington)

Covington allows chickens in residential areas:
- Up to 6 hens
- No roosters
- Coops must be:
  - In the rear yard
  - 15–25 feet from homes
  - Enclosed, clean, and well-ventilated
Kenton County’s unincorporated areas allow chickens with fewer restrictions under AG or rural zoning

Boone County (Including Florence)

City of Florence:
- Backyard chickens allowed on lots over ½ acre
- 4 to 6 hens permitted
- No roosters
- Coop must be:
  - In the rear yard
  - At least 20 feet from property lines

Unincorporated Boone County generally permits chickens in rural/agricultural zones with no permit required

Warren County (Including Bowling Green)

Bowling Green allows chickens with conditions:
- Up to 6 hens
- No roosters
- Coops must be:
  - In the backyard only
  - 15–30 feet from homes
  - Properly maintained to prevent odor
Chickens must be confined and not create a nuisance

Outside the city, Warren County zoning allows more flexibility for larger flocks and roosters in AG zones

Daviess County (Including Owensboro)

Owensboro allows backyard chickens in residential zones:
- Up to 6 hens
- No roosters
- Coop must be:
  - At least 25 feet from adjacent structures
  - Located in rear yard
Chickens must be enclosed, not free-range
AG zones in Daviess County allow larger flocks and roosters with minimal regulation

Madison County (Including Richmond, Berea)

Chickens are legal in both Richmond and Berea
Limit: 6 hens
Roosters not permitted in residential zones

Coop placement:
- 25 feet from homes
- Secure and odor-free

No permit required for small flocks
Outside city limits, chicken keeping is common and less restricted

Hardin County (Including Elizabethtown)

Elizabethtown allows:
- Up to 6 hens
- Roosters not permitted
- Coop must be:
  - Enclosed and in the backyard
  - Clean, pest-free, and 20–30 feet from homes
Rural Hardin County supports chicken keeping with more relaxed standards in AG zoning

Campbell County (Including Newport, Fort Thomas)

Fort Thomas and Newport:
- Allow chickens in residential zones
- Limit of 4–6 hens
- Roosters prohibited
- Coops must be:
  - Located in rear yard
  - 15–25 feet from adjacent structures
In unincorporated Campbell County, chickens are allowed with fewer restrictions under rural zoning

Common Chicken Laws Across Kentucky Counties

Although rules vary, here are the most consistent standards across urban and suburban areas in Kentucky:

Regulation	Typical Requirement
Roosters	Usually prohibited in residential zones
Hen Limit	4–6 hens for most suburban homes
Setbacks	15–30 feet from dwellings or property lines
Permits	Required in some cities for larger flocks
Containment	Chickens must be confined to coops/runs
Cleanliness	Coops must be odor-free and well-maintained

To simplify your planning and stay compliant, use the chicken coop calculator to calculate how much space your chickens need based on your zoning and flock size.

Urban vs. Rural Chicken Laws in Kentucky

Urban/Suburban Areas (e.g., Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green):

Hen limits: 4–6 hens
Roosters banned
Strict coop setback rules
Permits may be required
Noise and odor complaints can trigger enforcement

Rural and Unincorporated Areas:

Roosters often allowed
Flock size rarely restricted
No permits usually required
Flexible coop placement rules
Ideal for homesteading or small-scale farming

How to Check Chicken Laws for Your Address

Here’s how to confirm what’s allowed where you live:

Determine your zoning classification using your county’s GIS or zoning map
Review local municipal ordinances on your city or county’s website
Contact your city’s planning and zoning department
Check HOA or neighborhood rules, which may override city allowances

Don’t assume what’s legal for your neighbor is legal for you—zoning can change by block or lot size.

Building a Legal, Comfortable Chicken Coop

No matter where you live in Kentucky, your chicken coop should be:

4 sq. ft. per chicken inside
8–10 sq. ft. per chicken in the outdoor run
Clean, dry, and pest-free
Fully enclosed with predator protection
Placed according to local setback rules

Want a head start? Use the chicken coop calculator to plan a coop that meets both your chickens’ needs and your local regulations.

Conclusion

Backyard chickens are not only legal across much of Kentucky—they’re a fantastic way to live sustainably and enjoy fresh eggs year-round. But because every city and county has different rules, doing your homework before building a coop is essential.

Whether you’re in a Louisville neighborhood or a rural corner of Boone County, checking zoning laws and planning ahead ensures your flock stays safe, comfortable, and 100% legal.

Ready to build your coop? Start with this chicken coop calculator to design the perfect space—and start your backyard chicken adventure the right way.

Chicken Laws by County in Kentucky

Are Backyard Chickens Legal in Kentucky?