Bartow County, GA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Lots over 10 acres
- No chicken or livestock count cap
- 2-10 acres
- Max 8 livestock or 20 chickens
- 1-2 acres
- Max 8 hens, no roosters
- Under 1 acre
- No livestock permitted
- Hen enclosure setback
- 25 feet from property lines
- First-offense fine
- $150.00 minimum
Summary
Unincorporated Bartow County scales livestock and chicken limits to lot size: up to eight livestock or 20 chickens on two-to-ten acre lots, eight hens (no roosters) on one-to-two acre residential lots, and no livestock at all under one acre, per Bartow County Code § 14-17(d).
(d)Livestock. The following restrictions apply to the maximum number of livestock animals that may be kept on any property based on the area of the lot. ... (2)Larger than two acres but equal to or less than ten acres. On property that is larger than two acres but equal to or less than ten acres, limited numbers of livestock animals are permitted. No more than eight livestock animals total shall be permitted on property in this size range or no more than 20 chickens; if both chickens and other livestock animals are kept, no more than eight animals total shall be permitted. ... (3)Between one and two acres. On any lot that is single-family residential use and between one and two acres, a maximum of eight hens (no roosters) shall be allowed. No other livestock animals are permitted. Hens shall be kept in an enclosure, whether fence, chicken coop, or other minor livestock enclosure, at least 25 feet from all property lines. ... (4)Less than one acre. On any property that is less than one acre, it shall be unlawful to possess or keep any livestock.
Full Breakdown
Sec. 14-17(d) sets a four-tier ladder for unincorporated county lots. Above ten acres there is no numeric cap in Chapter 14, though the separate Bartow County Zoning Ordinance still applies setback rules and requires a conditional use permit for certain livestock uses such as chicken houses. On a lot larger than two acres but no more than ten, Sec. 14-17(d)(2) caps the property at eight livestock animals total, or up to 20 chickens, or eight total if chickens and other livestock are mixed, and permits only a single chicken coop or a single minor livestock enclosure.
On a single-family residential lot between one and two acres, Sec. 14-17(d)(3) allows up to eight hens, no roosters, with no other livestock permitted; the hen enclosure, whether fence, coop or other minor structure, must sit at least 25 feet from every property line, and the hens may not roam onto neighboring land. Any lot under one acre may keep no livestock at all under Sec. 14-17(d)(4). Nothing in the section authorizes livestock in a zoning district that does not permit it, and Sec. 14-18(b) separately bars breeding livestock on non-agriculturally zoned property or on agricultural parcels under five acres.
Violations & Fines
Keeping more animals than Sec. 14-17(d) allows is a violation of Chapter 14 under Sec. 14-123, carrying a minimum fine of $150.00 for a first offense, $300.00 for a second, and $450.00 for a third or subsequent offense, up to a $1,000.00 statutory maximum. Each excess animal is treated as a separate offense, and the county attorney can also pursue a civil action in superior court for injunctive relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep chickens on a small residential lot in unincorporated Bartow County?
How many livestock animals can I keep on a five-acre parcel?
Do I need a permit for a chicken house on a large lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bartow County
How Bartow County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Bartow County to another location·View the Georgia animal ordinances overview
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