Montgomery County allows backyard hens with a permit under County Code Ch 5. Limit of 5 hens per lot. Roosters are prohibited in residential zones. Coops must be 25 feet from neighboring dwellings. Annual registration with Animal Services is required.
Montgomery County Code Ch 5 (Animals) allows residents to keep backyard chickens with a permit from Montgomery County Animal Services. A maximum of 5 hens are permitted per residential lot. Roosters are strictly prohibited in all residential zones due to noise concerns. Chicken coops must be located at least 25 feet from any neighboring dwelling and must be in the rear yard only. Coops require a DPS accessory structure permit if over 200 square feet. The coop and run area must be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition to prevent odor and pest complaints. Feed must be stored in rodent-proof containers. Free-range chickens must be confined to the owner property and cannot roam onto neighboring lots or public areas. Slaughtering is prohibited in residential zones. The permit requires annual renewal with Animal Services. Composting of chicken manure must comply with DEP stormwater and nutrient management rules under the Chesapeake Bay watershed protections. Eggs may be consumed by the household but commercial sale requires Maryland Department of Agriculture licensing.
Keeping chickens without permit: $100 fine per violation. Roosters in residential zone: removal order and $250 fine. Unsanitary conditions: Animal Services correction order. Exceeding 5-hen limit: $100 per additional hen.
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