Chicken Laws by County in Maryland
From the shores of the Chesapeake Bay to the rolling hills of western Maryland, backyard chickens are becoming a popular addition to households seeking fresh eggs, sustainability, and a deeper connection to food. But before you set up a coop or order your first chicks, here’s what you need to know: chicken laws in Maryland are set at the county and municipal level, not statewide.
This guide breaks down chicken laws by county in Maryland, helping you understand what’s legal, what’s restricted, and how to raise a happy, healthy flock without crossing legal lines.
Are Backyard Chickens Legal in Maryland?
Yes, chickens are legal in Maryland, but the rules depend entirely on where you live. Each county—and often each town or city within a county—sets its own regulations, based on:
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Zoning classifications (residential, rural, agricultural)
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Lot size
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Allowed number of hens
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Rooster restrictions
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Coop placement and setback requirements
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Permit or inspection requirements
Before you build a coop, use this chicken coop calculator to make sure your setup meets your local code and your hens’ needs.
Chicken Laws by County in Maryland
Let’s break down chicken-keeping laws across Maryland’s most populated counties and key municipalities.
Montgomery County (Including Rockville, Bethesda, Gaithersburg)
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Chickens are allowed in residential zones
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Up to 8 hens per lot; no roosters
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Coops must be:
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At least 5 feet from property lines
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At least 100 feet from neighbors’ homes (unless on <½ acre lots)
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In rear yard, enclosed, clean, and odor-free
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No permit required unless you’re selling eggs or meat
Some municipalities like Gaithersburg or Takoma Park may have additional rules, so always double-check.
Prince George’s County (Including Bowie, College Park)
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Chickens allowed in R-R and R-E (residential estate) zones
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Up to 20 hens, no roosters
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Minimum lot size: ½ acre
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Coop placement:
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25 feet from property lines
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Clean, enclosed, and secure
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Some areas allow chickens in smaller lots with special exceptions or permits
Cities like Bowie and College Park generally allow chickens under county rules but may impose tighter restrictions.
Baltimore County (Not including Baltimore City)
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Chickens are allowed in many residential zones
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Up to 4 hens on lots less than 1 acre
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Roosters prohibited
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Coops must:
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Be 30 feet from neighboring dwellings
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Be well-maintained, odor-free, and secure
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No permit required unless keeping more than 4 hens or operating a farm
HOAs and specific neighborhoods may restrict chickens even if county law allows them.
Baltimore City
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Chickens are legal within city limits
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Up to 4 hens per household
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Roosters are banned
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Coop must be:
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15 feet from neighboring homes
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In rear yard
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Clean, enclosed, and escape-proof
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$25 permit required from Animal Control
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Coop is subject to inspection before approval
Baltimore has a robust urban agriculture movement and is considered chicken-friendly within limits.
Anne Arundel County (Including Annapolis)
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Chickens are allowed in most residential and rural zones
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No official hen limit, but must be kept as pets or for personal use
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Roosters discouraged in residential zones
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Coops must be:
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25 feet from property lines
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Enclosed and predator-resistant
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Permit not required unless selling eggs or operating commercially
Annapolis allows chickens but may require specific setback distances and neighbor notifications.
Howard County (Including Columbia, Ellicott City)
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Backyard chickens allowed in residential and agricultural zones
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Up to 8 hens, no roosters
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Coop must be:
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In rear yard
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At least 10 feet from property lines
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Kept clean and free of odor or vermin
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No permit required for backyard flocks
HOA rules in Columbia and Ellicott City neighborhoods may override county laws—always check your deed restrictions.
Frederick County
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Chickens allowed in most zones, including suburban neighborhoods
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No set hen limit unless specified by zoning
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Roosters generally allowed in agricultural zones, not residential
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Coop requirements:
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Minimum 25 feet from adjacent homes
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Enclosed, clean, and secured against predators
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No permit required unless operating as a business
Frederick County is known for being very chicken-friendly, especially outside city limits.
Harford County
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Backyard chickens allowed with minimal restrictions
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Up to 6 hens in residential zones
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Roosters typically banned in subdivisions
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Coops must:
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Be in rear yard
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Set back at least 20 feet from property lines
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Be enclosed and clean
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No permit required
In agricultural or rural zones, larger flocks and roosters are permitted.
Charles County
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Chickens allowed on residential lots ½ acre or larger
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Up to 6 hens, no roosters
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Coop placement:
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Minimum 25 feet from any dwelling
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Rear yard only
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Must be kept sanitary
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Permit not required unless for commercial use
Carroll County
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Chickens allowed in all agricultural and most residential zones
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Roosters permitted in rural zones
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No specific hen limit for personal flocks
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Coop placement: 25–50 feet from dwellings, depending on zoning
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No permit required
Carroll County has a strong farming culture and supports backyard chicken keeping.
Common Chicken Laws Across Maryland Counties
While each county and city has its own rules, these are the most common standards:
| Rule | Typical Standard |
|---|---|
| Roosters | Prohibited in residential areas |
| Hen Limit | 4–8 hens for residential lots |
| Setbacks | 10–30 feet from homes or property lines |
| Permits | Sometimes required in urban cities |
| Cleanliness | Required—no odor, noise, or pests |
| Enclosures | Coops and runs must be secure and fenced |
Need help planning your legal coop? Use the chicken coop calculator to size your structure for comfort and compliance.
Urban vs. Rural Chicken Laws in Maryland
Urban/Suburban (e.g., Baltimore City, Rockville, Columbia):
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Hen limits of 4–6
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Roosters banned
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Permits or inspections may be required
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Strict setback and coop regulations
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HOAs often enforce their own restrictions
Rural/Unincorporated Areas:
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Larger flocks allowed
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Roosters permitted
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Fewer or no permit requirements
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More flexibility in coop design and placement
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Ideal for hobby farmers and homesteaders
How to Check Chicken Laws for Your Property
Follow these steps to confirm what’s allowed in your area:
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Identify your zoning classification using your county’s GIS or planning portal
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Review your local municipal code online or at city hall
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Call your county’s zoning or code enforcement office
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Check your HOA covenants, if you live in a managed community
Don’t rely on what your neighbor is doing—laws can vary by block.
Building a Legal Chicken Coop in Maryland
A compliant coop must be:
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4 square feet per hen inside the coop
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8–10 square feet per bird in the run
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Built to match setback requirements (often 10–30 feet from property lines)
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Enclosed and predator-proof
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Well-ventilated and regularly cleaned
Use this chicken coop calculator to design a setup that meets both legal standards and your flock’s needs.
Conclusion
Backyard chickens are a great addition to any Maryland household, but only if you’re following your local regulations. With every county—and even town—setting its own rules, it’s essential to check your zoning, setback distances, and flock limits before you get started.
Whether you live in Baltimore City or rural Frederick County, being an informed flock owner means fewer fines, happier neighbors, and healthier hens.
Ready to start your backyard flock? Plan your coop today with the chicken coop calculator and raise chickens the right way—in full compliance with Maryland law.