Chickens Laws in Missouri: Permits, and Backyard Flock Rules Explained
Backyard chickens are booming across Missouri, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re in it for fresh eggs, self-sufficiency, or a love of poultry, raising chickens can be a rewarding experience. But before you buy a coop or pick your hens, you need to understand Missouri’s chicken laws—and they vary quite a bit depending on where you live.
In this article, we’ll break down Missouri’s chicken laws by location, what permits you might need, how many chickens you can keep, and how to stay on the right side of the law.
Can You Legally Keep Chickens in Missouri?
Yes, you can legally keep chickens in Missouri, but local laws and zoning ordinances will determine how, where, and how many. The state of Missouri does not ban backyard chickens, but each city, county, and municipality sets its own rules regarding:
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Flock size limits
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Rooster bans
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Coop requirements
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Distance from property lines or dwellings
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Whether permits or inspections are required
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Noise and nuisance restrictions
So, while chickens are allowed statewide, your local government has the final say.
Chicken Laws by City in Missouri
Let’s take a closer look at what the chicken laws look like across Missouri’s major cities and counties.
1. Kansas City, MO
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Allowed: Yes
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Limit: Up to 15 hens in residential zones
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Roosters: Not allowed
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Permit: Required
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Coop Rules:
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Coop must be clean and secure
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Must be at least 25 feet from neighboring dwellings
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Selling Eggs: Allowed with proper licenses
Kansas City has one of the more chicken-friendly ordinances in Missouri, but requires good sanitation and neighbor consideration.
2. St. Louis, MO
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Allowed: Yes, but highly regulated
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Limit: Typically up to 4 hens in residential zones
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Roosters: Not allowed
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Permit: Yes, required
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Additional Rules:
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Must be confined to the rear yard
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Coop must be at least 20 feet from any residence
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Must comply with health department rules
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St. Louis is strict about cleanliness, neighbor impact, and requires annual inspections in some neighborhoods.
3. Springfield, MO
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Allowed: Yes
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Limit: Up to 6 hens in residential districts
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Roosters: Not permitted
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Permit: Not required if under 6 birds
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Other Rules:
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No free-ranging in front or side yards
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Coop must be predator-proof and regularly cleaned
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Springfield allows chickens without permits if you follow local codes and don’t disturb neighbors.
4. Columbia, MO
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Allowed: Yes
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Limit: Up to 6 hens
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Roosters: Prohibited
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Permit: Not required for personal use
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Coop Requirements:
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Chickens must stay in a secure enclosure
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Minimum distance of 25 feet from any neighboring home
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Columbia encourages backyard chickens but enforces strict rules about enclosures and animal welfare.
5. Independence, MO
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Allowed: Yes
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Limit: 6 hens
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Roosters: Not allowed
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Permit: Yes, required for some residential zones
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Notes:
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Chickens must be confined
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No nuisance odors or excessive noise
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Permits and inspections are more likely in suburban areas to ensure compliance with animal control ordinances.
6. Jefferson County & Other Rural Areas
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Allowed: Yes, typically with few restrictions
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Limit: Varies, often none in agricultural zones
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Roosters: Allowed
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Permit: Often not required
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Best For:
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Large flocks
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Egg or meat sales
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Free-range setups
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In rural Missouri counties, especially those zoned for agriculture, chicken laws are usually very lenient. These areas are ideal if you want roosters, larger flocks, or plan to raise chickens commercially.
Common Missouri Chicken Laws and Requirements
While city ordinances vary, there are common threads in chicken laws across the state:
What Most Missouri Cities Require:
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No roosters in residential areas (due to crowing)
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Limit of 4–6 hens in most suburban/urban zones
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Secure coop and run with proper ventilation
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Chickens confined to backyard
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Minimum distance setbacks from other homes (typically 20–25 feet)
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No selling eggs or meat without a state license
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Cleanliness enforced to avoid odors and pest problems
Do You Need a Permit to Keep Chickens in Missouri?
In many cities, yes—you will need a permit to legally keep chickens. Especially in places like St. Louis, Kansas City, and Independence, backyard poultry requires registration or animal permits.
Permit Application May Require:
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Coop inspection
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Site plan with chicken area marked
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Application fee ($25–$50)
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Agreement to follow city health code
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Proof of property ownership or landlord approval
Tip: Avoid fines or complaints by securing a permit before you bring your birds home.
What Happens If You Break Chicken Laws?
If you violate local chicken laws, here’s what you could face:
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Fines up to $500 per day
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Mandatory removal of your chickens
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Code enforcement visits or inspections
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Neighborhood disputes
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HOA penalties, if you live in a governed community
It’s always better to get ahead of the law than to fight it after the fact.
What About HOAs?
Even if your city or county allows chickens, HOAs can prohibit them entirely. Homeowners associations can override city chicken laws and enforce stricter rules through their covenants.
HOA Concerns Often Include:
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Noise
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Smell
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Property values
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Neighborhood aesthetics
If you live in an HOA, check your Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) before investing in a coop. Trying to “sneak” chickens in can result in costly fines or legal action.
Best Chicken Breeds for Missouri’s Climate
Missouri’s climate brings both hot summers and cold winters, so it’s smart to pick breeds that can handle seasonal extremes.
Top Chicken Breeds for Missouri:
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Rhode Island Reds – Hardy, great egg layers
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Plymouth Rocks – Friendly and cold-resistant
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Orpingtons – Excellent dual-purpose birds
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Australorps – Good in heat and cold, reliable layers
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Easter Eggers – Colorful eggs and good adaptability
Coops should be insulated and well-ventilated to keep hens healthy all year round.
Can You Sell Eggs or Chicken Meat in Missouri?
Yes, but you must follow Missouri Department of Agriculture guidelines if you want to sell eggs or meat.
Selling Eggs:
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Eggs must be cleaned, stored at proper temperatures, and labeled
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An egg license is required for regular sales
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You may sell directly to consumers or at farmer’s markets with proper registration
Selling Meat:
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Birds must be processed in a state-licensed facility
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Home slaughter for commercial use is not allowed
For most backyard keepers, personal use only is the simplest legal route.
Conclusion
Raising chickens in Missouri is totally legal—but only if you follow your local ordinances. Whether you’re in urban St. Louis or rural Ozark country, rules around flock size, coop placement, roosters, and permits can vary widely.
Do your research, apply for permits when needed, and set up your coop responsibly. That way, you can enjoy all the benefits of backyard chickens without running afoul of the law.
Thinking about starting a flock? Check your local codes, talk to your city office, and build a secure, neighbor-friendly coop. Your hens—and your neighbors—will thank you.