Alpharetta, GA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Section 2.3.3.C.9 of the Unified Development Code lists backyard chickens as a customary accessory use to a single-family detached dwelling in the City of Alpharetta, but only under specific conditions. The lot must be at least 1 acre, which rules out the flock on typical subdivision lots inside the city's smaller residential districts. Up to 6 chickens are allowed, and roosters are banned outright, which addresses the noise complaints that drive most municipal poultry rules. The coop, run and any other structure built to house the birds must sit at least 25 feet from the rear and side property lines, a wider setback than the 10-foot standard that applies to sheds and other accessory buildings under the same Section.

The coop and run structure itself cannot rise above 9 feet. Because Alpharetta borders Big Creek and other regulated waterways, the Ordinance also bars chickens from any undisturbed water buffer, wetland or regulated floodplain area on the property, even if the 1-acre lot and 25-foot setback are otherwise satisfied. Like every other accessory use under Section 2.3.3.C, the coop cannot exceed 20% of the size of the principal house and cannot sit in the required front yard. Community Development reviews compliance as part of any accessory structure permit for the coop, and Fulton County Animal Services, which handles animal control for the city, can respond to nuisance or welfare complaints about the birds themselves.