DeKalb County, GA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Min lot size, chickens
- 10,000 sq ft
- Max hens
- 1 per 2,000 sq ft
- Roosters
- Prohibited
- Setback from property line
- 20 feet minimum
- Livestock min lot size
- 2 acres
Summary
On a lot of at least 10,000 square feet in unincorporated DeKalb, residents can keep hens, no roosters, at one hen per 2,000 square feet of lot area.
1.The minimum fenced yard area for chickens shall be twenty-five (25) square feet per hen.2.Chickens and pigeons must be housed at least twenty (20) feet from any property line, and fifty (50) feet from any residence other than the owner's.3.Any structure housing chickens and pigeons must be located in the rear yard if a principal building exists.4.The minimum lot size for the keeping of chickens or pigeons is ten thousand (10,000) square feet. Fenced area for chickens shall comply with the setback requirements for accessory structures. Chickens and pigeons and associated structures and fencing shall comply with relevant articles of chapters 16 and 18, relating to noise and property maintenance.5.No roosters are allowed.6.The maximum number of hens shall be one (1) hen per two thousand (2,000) square feet of lot size.
Full Breakdown
DeKalb's zoning code lets residents keep chickens on lots of at least 10,000 square feet, capped at one hen per 2,000 square feet of lot size, with 25 square feet of fenced yard area required per hen and roosters banned outright. Coops and pens must sit at least 20 feet from any property line and 50 feet from a neighbor's residence, and any structure housing the birds must be in the rear yard if a house already exists. Chickens can only be kept as pets or for eggs, not for slaughter. Larger livestock like horses or goats need at least 2 acres under § 4.2.7(E), a separate standard from the residential chicken rule.
Violations & Fines
Keeping a rooster, exceeding the hen cap, or housing birds without the required setback is a zoning violation DeKalb's code enforcement can act on; chickens can't be kept for slaughter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep chickens in unincorporated DeKalb County?
How much land do I need to keep livestock like goats or horses in DeKalb County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in DeKalb County
How DeKalb County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare DeKalb County to another location·View the Georgia animal ordinances overview
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