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Columbia County, GA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Chickens
Up to 6 under 1 acre
Commercial Poultry
Prohibited
Barn Setback
25 ft from lines
Farming District
R-A, 2½-acre minimum
Livestock
Must be fenced (§ 14-6)

Summary

Columbia County zoning allows up to six chickens on parcels under one acre as small-scale agriculture, bars commercial poultry houses, and requires livestock to be fenced with a 25-foot barn setback. R-A farming lots need 2½ acres.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Columbia County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Operation of poultry houses, dairies, ranges, and feedlots for the commercial sale of meat or eggs is prohibited. ... On parcels smaller than one acre, residential gardening and the keeping of no more than six chickens may take place. The nuisance provisions of chapter 34, article II shall apply.

Source: Georgia Code (O.C.G.A.)View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 54).

Full Breakdown

Under Columbia County zoning, small-scale agriculture lets a household keep no more than six chickens on a parcel smaller than one acre for personal use, subject to the Chapter 34 nuisance rules; commercial poultry houses, dairies, ranges, and feedlots are prohibited (Sec. 90-147). Larger farming belongs in the R-A residential-agricultural district, which requires a 2½-acre minimum lot, and any barn or stable housing livestock must sit at least 25 feet from every property line. Animal chapter Sec. 14-6(e) also requires all livestock to be fenced with adequate food and water. Suburban HOAs in Evans and Martinez commonly ban poultry and livestock entirely.

Violations & Fines

Keeping more than six chickens on a small lot, running a commercial poultry or feedlot operation, or leaving livestock unfenced violates the zoning or animal code and draws correction notices, daily fines, and possible animal removal by county code enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep backyard chickens in Columbia County?
Yes, up to six chickens for personal use on a parcel under one acre, as small-scale agriculture. Commercial poultry houses are prohibited, and HOAs may ban chickens entirely.
Can I keep goats or cattle on a residential lot?
Livestock farming belongs in the R-A district, which requires a 2½-acre minimum lot, and any barn or stable must sit 25 feet from every property line.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Columbia County

Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsExotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsWildlife FeedingFew RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Outdoor BurningSignificant Restrictions

All Columbia County rules

How Columbia County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Columbia County to another location·View the Georgia animal ordinances overview

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