Chicken Laws by County in Missouri

Thinking about raising chickens in Missouri? You’re not alone. Whether you’re looking for farm-fresh eggs or just love the idea of a backyard flock, it’s a growing trend across urban, suburban, and rural areas alike. But before you start building a coop, there’s one thing you need to understand: Missouri chicken laws vary from county to county—and even from city to city.

This guide breaks down chicken laws across key Missouri counties so you can raise chickens legally, confidently, and stress-free.

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Do You Need Permission to Keep Chickens in Missouri?

Direct answer: Missouri does not have a statewide law banning or allowing backyard chickens—local governments make the rules. That means cities, townships, and counties each set their own guidelines for whether you can keep chickens, how many, and under what conditions.

Here’s what you’ll commonly see:

• Roosters are often banned in residential zones.

• Flock size is limited—usually between 4 to 10 hens.

• Permits are required in many urban areas.

• Setback requirements determine how close a coop can be to property lines or homes.

• HOAs and subdivisions may have separate rules that override city ordinances.

Not sure how much space you need for your flock? Use the chicken coop calculator to get an instant coop size estimate that fits your local rules.

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Chicken Laws by County in Missouri

Here’s a county-by-county look at the general rules for raising backyard chickens. Keep in mind: laws can differ significantly between cities within the same county, so always check your local zoning office for updates.

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St. Louis County

Direct answer: Chickens are generally allowed, but urban areas like St. Louis City and inner-ring suburbs often require permits and restrict roosters.

Details:

• St. Louis City allows chickens with a limit of 4 hens and no roosters. A permit and coop inspection are required.

• Clayton, University City, and Maplewood allow chickens but have strict zoning and setback regulations.

• Kirkwood allows up to 6 hens with neighbor consent and adherence to coop placement rules.

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Jackson County

Direct answer: Most cities in Jackson County allow chickens, but rules vary widely depending on whether you’re in Kansas City, Independence, or a smaller suburb.

Details:

• Kansas City allows up to 15 hens with a permit, but roosters are not permitted in residential areas.

• Independence permits chickens in residential areas with a flock size of up to 6 hens.

• Lee’s Summit allows chickens with a $50 permit and a 25-foot coop setback from any dwelling.

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Greene County

Direct answer: Springfield and other areas in Greene County allow backyard chickens with reasonable limits.

Details:

• Springfield allows up to 6 hens per household in residential zones—roosters are banned.

• Permits may be required depending on zoning district.

• Coop placement must respect a minimum setback of 25 feet from neighboring residences.

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St. Charles County

Direct answer: Backyard chickens are permitted, but many cities enforce strict limits and require permits or HOA approval.

Details:

• St. Charles City allows hens with a permit and prohibits roosters. Coop must be placed at least 20 feet from property lines.

• O’Fallon permits chickens in residential areas with a cap of 6 hens and no roosters.

• Wentzville allows chickens with zoning approval; larger lots can support more hens.

Planning a flock here? Use the chicken coop calculator to make sure your coop design meets city code.

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Boone County

Direct answer: Chickens are allowed in both Columbia and rural Boone County, with restrictions on flock size and coop location.

Details:

• Columbia allows up to 6 hens in residential zones with a required permit and no roosters.

• Coops must be clean, ventilated, and set back at least 25 feet from homes.

• Unincorporated Boone County areas tend to be more lenient with fewer formal requirements.

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Jefferson County

Direct answer: Chickens are widely allowed in unincorporated areas, but cities like Arnold and Festus may have additional rules.

Details:

• Arnold allows chickens with a permit and restricts flock size to 5 hens.

• Festus permits chickens in single-family residential zones but enforces setback and coop sanitation requirements.

• In more rural parts of Jefferson County, chickens are usually permitted without permits.

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Clay County

Direct answer: Chicken laws vary significantly depending on whether you’re in North Kansas City or rural Clay County.

Details:

• Liberty allows backyard chickens with a flock limit of 6 hens—no roosters.

• North Kansas City follows Kansas City’s more flexible guidelines (up to 15 hens with permit).

• Rural areas are often exempt from strict rules but still must follow health and sanitation codes.

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Platte County

Direct answer: Backyard chickens are permitted with relatively minimal restrictions in most parts of Platte County.

Details:

• Parkville allows chickens with a permit and requires setbacks of 20–30 feet.

• Riverside permits small flocks and may require neighbor approval.

• Unincorporated areas have more freedom and generally don’t limit flock size unless complaints arise.

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Taney County

Direct answer: Chickens are widely permitted, especially in rural and agricultural zones.

Details:

• Branson allows backyard hens with a limit of 6 and bans roosters in residential areas.

• Zoning codes in rural Taney County are more relaxed, and chickens are often considered part of normal property use.

• Sanitation and odor control are still required in all areas.

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Newton County

Direct answer: Chickens are commonly allowed throughout the county, but check with cities like Neosho or Joplin for specific rules.

Details:

• Joplin, which spans multiple counties, allows chickens in residential zones with some permitting and a 6-hen limit.

• Roosters are typically not allowed within city limits.

• Rural property owners in Newton County generally don’t face restrictions on flock size or coop setup.

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Common Chicken-Keeping Rules Across Missouri

Here’s a quick table of the most common regulations you’ll encounter in cities and towns across the state:

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How to Stay Compliant with Missouri Chicken Laws

Want to avoid fines or conflicts with neighbors? Follow these tips:

• Start by contacting your city or county zoning office.

• Don’t assume rural = no rules—many rural towns still have basic ordinances.

• Skip the rooster unless you’re zoned agricultural.

• Build your coop to code, using adequate space, ventilation, and setbacks.

• Get your coop dimensions right with the chicken coop calculator before building.

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Conclusion: Raise Chickens the Right Way in Missouri

Raising chickens in Missouri can be fun, sustainable, and rewarding—but only if you follow the local laws. With regulations changing from one town to the next, it’s crucial to research your specific area and plan accordingly.

Whether you’re in the heart of Kansas City or out on acreage near the Ozarks, knowing the rules ahead of time helps you avoid trouble and keep your flock happy and legal.

Ready to start building your coop? Use the chicken coop calculator to make sure your setup meets city or county requirements—and give your hens the space they deserve.

Build it smart, raise them right, and enjoy the fresh eggs.