Chicken Laws by County in Tennessee

Thinking about raising backyard chickens in Tennessee? Whether you want fresh eggs, sustainable living, or just love the idea of having hens in your yard, you’ll need to get familiar with local chicken laws first.

This guide breaks down chicken laws by county in Tennessee, so you know exactly where and how you can legally raise your flock.

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Are Chickens Legal in Tennessee?

Yes, chickens are legal in many parts of Tennessee—but the rules vary by county and city. Tennessee doesn’t have a statewide ban or permit system, so everything depends on local zoning laws, municipal ordinances, and homeowner regulations.

Whether you’re in a rural area or a suburban neighborhood, you need to check with your county or city planning department and, if applicable, your HOA.

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Tennessee Chicken Laws by County

Let’s explore the current backyard chicken laws in major Tennessee counties. Some cities within each county may have different rules than the county itself, so always double-check with local government offices.

1. Davidson County (Nashville Metro)

• Allowed: Yes, in most residential zones

• Limit: Up to 8 hens per household

• Roosters: Not allowed

• Permit: Required ($25 fee)

• Other Rules:

  • Must complete an approved chicken care class

  • Coop must be inspected and set back from property lines

Note: Nashville’s Metro Code allows backyard hens but has strict guidelines for enclosures and inspections.

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2. Shelby County (Memphis Area)

• Allowed: Yes, but city of Memphis has more restrictions

• Limit: Varies by lot size and zoning

• Roosters: Generally not allowed in city zones

• Permit: Not always required in rural areas

• Memphis City:

  • Allows chickens in certain residential zones

  • Coop must be 50+ feet from neighbors

Tip: Rural parts of Shelby County are more lenient compared to within Memphis city limits.

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3. Knox County (Knoxville Area)

• Allowed: Yes

• Limit: Up to 6 hens in city limits

• Roosters: Not allowed within Knoxville city

• Permit: Required within Knoxville city

• Other Requirements:

  • Coop must be predator-proof and well-maintained

  • Chickens must be confined to owner’s yard

Knoxville: Offers a clear permit process and coop guidelines, but bans roosters due to noise.

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4. Hamilton County (Chattanooga Area)

• Allowed: Yes, in most residential areas

• Limit: Typically up to 6 hens

• Roosters: Usually banned in city areas

• Permit: Required in Chattanooga city limits

• Other Notes:

  • Coop must meet building codes

  • Neighbors may be notified if you’re applying for a permit

Outside Chattanooga: Rural areas of Hamilton County are often more flexible.

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5. Williamson County

• Allowed: Yes

• Limit: Depends on lot size and zoning

• Roosters: Allowed in rural zones, banned in subdivisions

• Permit: Not usually required outside city limits

• Cities Like Franklin or Brentwood:

  • May restrict chickens in residential neighborhoods

  • Coop placement and sanitation are strictly regulated

Tip: Williamson County’s suburban developments often fall under strict HOA guidelines—always check first.

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6. Rutherford County (Murfreesboro Area)

• Allowed: Yes

• Limit: Up to 6 hens in Murfreesboro

• Roosters: Not permitted within city

• Permit: Yes, in city limits

• Zoning:

  • Agricultural zones have fewer restrictions

  • Residential zones must follow coop setback and cleanliness rules

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7. Sumner County

• Allowed: Yes, commonly permitted in unincorporated areas

• Limit: Varies by city

• Cities Like Gallatin or Hendersonville:

  • Limit number of hens

  • Ban roosters

  • Require enclosed coops

Rural Zones: Typically allow more flexibility with larger flocks and roosters.

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8. Blount County

• Allowed: Yes

• Maryville & Alcoa:

  • Limit hen numbers

  • Require setbacks from property lines

  • Ban roosters in residential zones

County Areas: In unincorporated zones, chickens are allowed with minimal oversight.

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General Chicken Rules Across Tennessee Counties

Despite local differences, there are several common trends in chicken laws throughout Tennessee:

Typical Chicken Ordinance Guidelines:

• Roosters are almost always banned in city zones due to noise.

• Permits are often required within city limits (especially in larger metro areas).

• Coops must be kept clean and maintained to avoid nuisance complaints.

• Free-ranging is not allowed—chickens must be confined to your property.

• Backyard chickens are for personal use only—not for commercial sale (unless zoned for agriculture).

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What If You’re in an HOA Community?

Even if your city or county allows chickens, your Homeowners Association (HOA) can still prohibit them.

How to Handle HOA Restrictions:

• Review your HOA’s bylaws and covenants.

• Speak with your board—some may allow chickens with written permission.

• Offer compromises like:

  • Smaller flock size

  • Coop style that matches your home

  • No roosters, no smells, no complaints

Tip: HOA fines can add up quickly, and in some cases, they can take legal action to have your chickens removed.

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What Happens If You Break Chicken Laws in Tennessee?

Violating local chicken ordinances could lead to:

• Fines ranging from $50 to $500

• Written warnings or citations

• Forced removal of your chickens

• Neighbor disputes or legal trouble with HOA

Best Practices to Avoid Trouble:

• Keep the coop clean and odor-free

• Avoid noisy or aggressive birds

• Be courteous to neighbors

• Stay up-to-date with local rules and renew permits when needed

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Raising Chickens in Tennessee: Tips for Success

Tennessee’s climate and culture are great for backyard chicken keeping, especially if you follow the rules.

Top Chicken Breeds for Tennessee:

• Rhode Island Reds – Hardy and great layers

• Barred Plymouth Rocks – Friendly and cold-hardy

• Buff Orpingtons – Calm, productive, and heat-tolerant

• Easter Eggers – Fun colored eggs, good for all climates

• Australorps – Excellent layers, even in winter

Coop Essentials:

• Predator-proof fencing and latches

• Covered run and shaded areas

• Proper drainage to prevent muddy messes

• Nest boxes and roosting bars

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Conclusion

Raising chickens in Tennessee is absolutely possible—but only if you understand the laws in your specific county and city. From Nashville to Knoxville, rules around flock size, coop placement, and permits can vary dramatically.

Start by checking your local zoning code, speaking with your city planning office, and reviewing any HOA documents. Once you’re clear on the rules, you can confidently build your coop, pick your hens, and enjoy all the benefits of fresh eggs and homestead living.

Ready to raise your flock? Dive into your county’s laws, gather your supplies, and join the wave of Tennesseans embracing backyard chickens the right way.