Chicken Laws by County in South Carolina

Backyard chickens are becoming increasingly popular across South Carolina, from the Blue Ridge foothills to the Lowcountry. Whether you’re raising chickens for fresh eggs, sustainability, or as a family-friendly hobby, there’s one thing you must do before you get started: know your local chicken laws.

South Carolina doesn’t have a statewide law that governs backyard poultry. Instead, chicken ownership is regulated by local municipalities within each county. That means the rules for keeping chickens in Charleston might be completely different from those in Greenville or Columbia.

This guide breaks down chicken laws by county in South Carolina, so you can raise your flock legally and confidently.

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Are Backyard Chickens Legal in South Carolina?

Direct answer: Yes, backyard chickens are legal in most of South Carolina, but the specific rules—such as flock size, coop placement, permits, and whether roosters are allowed—are determined by your local city, town, or county.

Here’s what’s typically regulated:

• Number of hens allowed per property

• Rooster bans in residential neighborhoods

• Minimum setbacks for coops and runs

• Zoning requirements and permits

• Cleanliness and odor control

Need help building a compliant chicken coop? Use the chicken coop calculator to size your coop accurately and stay within local guidelines.

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Chicken Laws by County in South Carolina

While counties don’t always directly regulate chickens, their cities and towns do. Below are the most populated or frequently asked-about counties in South Carolina, along with a summary of chicken-keeping laws in their municipalities.

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Charleston County

Direct answer: Backyard chickens are allowed in most areas, but Charleston and surrounding towns enforce strict rules.

Details:

• City of Charleston allows up to 4 hens, no roosters, and requires a $25 permit.

• Coops must be at least 25 feet from neighboring residences and clean at all times.

• Mount Pleasant and North Charleston follow similar rules, banning roosters and requiring setbacks.

• Rural parts of Charleston County are more flexible, especially in agricultural zones.

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Richland County

Direct answer: Chickens are permitted in Columbia and rural Richland County with zoning and coop restrictions.

Details:

• Columbia allows up to 6 hens, no roosters, and coops must be at least 20 feet from dwellings.

• No permit is required, but chickens must be confined and not cause a nuisance.

• In unincorporated Richland County, chicken-keeping is allowed on residential lots with standard health department rules.

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Greenville County

Direct answer: Backyard chickens are legal in Greenville, with regulations on flock size and coop placement.

Details:

• Greenville (City) allows up to 6 hens, no roosters, and 20-foot setback from property lines for coops.

• Coops must be clean, ventilated, and located in rear yards.

• Mauldin, Simpsonville, and Greer allow chickens with similar restrictions.

• Unincorporated areas allow poultry with fewer limitations, particularly on larger lots.

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Horry County

Direct answer: Chickens are permitted, including in Myrtle Beach suburbs, with zoning restrictions.

Details:

• Myrtle Beach allows up to 4 hens, with no roosters, and a permit may be required.

• Coops must be placed in the backyard and at least 15 feet from structures.

• North Myrtle Beach and Conway allow chickens with similar coop and flock rules.

• In rural parts of Horry County, chickens are common and less regulated.

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Spartanburg County

Direct answer: Backyard chickens are allowed throughout the county, with few restrictions in rural zones.

Details:

• Spartanburg (City) permits up to 6 hens, no roosters, and enforces coop setbacks.

• Coops must be predator-proof and kept at least 25 feet from neighboring homes.

• Boiling Springs, Duncan, and Landrum allow chickens with typical zoning and cleanliness rules.

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Lexington County

Direct answer: Chickens are legal in most parts of Lexington County, including the City of Lexington, with local restrictions.

Details:

• Lexington (City) allows chickens on lots of at least 0.25 acres, with a limit of 5 hens, no roosters, and coop setback of 20 feet.

• West Columbia and Cayce allow backyard hens under similar guidelines.

• Rural areas in Lexington County are very chicken-friendly with minimal interference.

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Berkeley County

Direct answer: Chickens are allowed across the county, including in Summerville and Moncks Corner, with standard residential rules.

Details:

• Summerville allows up to 6 hens, no roosters, and requires coops to be kept clean and odor-free.

• Moncks Corner permits chickens in residential areas with 25-foot setbacks and no roosters.

• Rural zones generally allow poultry freely.

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Beaufort County

Direct answer: Chickens are legal throughout the county with varying municipal limits.

Details:

• Beaufort (City) allows up to 6 hens, no roosters, and requires setback distances.

• Bluffton has similar rules but may restrict based on HOA or zoning overlays.

• On Hilton Head Island, chickens are permitted in specific zoning districts only.

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York County

Direct answer: Chickens are allowed in urban and rural areas, with city-specific flock and coop rules.

Details:

• Rock Hill permits up to 6 hens, no roosters, with 25-foot coop setbacks.

• Fort Mill and Tega Cay allow backyard chickens with rear-yard coop placement and sanitation standards.

• Permits may be required depending on subdivision or zoning district.

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Florence County

Direct answer: Backyard chickens are permitted in Florence and throughout the county with some urban restrictions.

Details:

• Florence (City) allows 4–6 hens, prohibits roosters, and requires clean, enclosed coops set 15–20 feet from structures.

• Rural Florence County areas have very few restrictions on chicken keeping.

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What Most South Carolina Chicken Laws Have in Common

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Tips for Raising Chickens Legally in South Carolina

Want to stay out of trouble and keep your neighbors happy? Here’s how:

• Start by checking with your local city or town hall—don’t rely solely on county rules.

• Avoid roosters unless you’re in a rural/agricultural zone.

• Respect all setback and coop placement requirements.

• Keep your coop clean, ventilated, and predator-proof.

• Use the chicken coop calculator to ensure your coop meets both your flock’s needs and legal standards.

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Conclusion: South Carolina Is Chicken-Friendly—If You Know the Local Rules

South Carolina supports backyard chicken ownership across most of its cities, towns, and rural areas. From Columbia to Charleston, there’s a good chance you can keep a few hens for fresh eggs—if you follow your local regulations.

Most towns allow small flocks of 4–6 hens, require clean coops, and enforce setbacks. Roosters are usually banned in residential zones to keep the peace.

Ready to get started? Use the chicken coop calculator to build a coop that meets both your flock’s needs and your town’s zoning requirements.

Start smart, build legally, and enjoy fresh eggs and happy hens across the Palmetto State.