Wake County does NOT regulate keeping of farm animals in the unincorporated areas — even in subdivisions. Each Wake municipality has its own rules: Raleigh allows 10 hens (no roosters), Cary allows 4 hens (no roosters), Apex allows 6 hens. Roosters generally prohibited in cities.
In unincorporated Wake County, Wake County Planning explicitly does not regulate farm animals — meaning backyard chickens, roosters, goats, pigs, and even small livestock are allowed as-of-right regardless of neighborhood character (subject to HOA covenants). This is one of the most permissive rules in the Triangle. Inside Raleigh §12-3055, up to 10 hens are allowed with permit, no roosters; coop setback 25 ft from neighboring residence. Cary §10-3 allows 4 hens, no roosters, 10 ft from property line. Apex §16 allows 6 hens with permit. HOA rules often override and prohibit any poultry.
City violations: civil penalty $50-250 + removal order. Unincorporated: only nuisance or zoning if commercial-scale operation (then UDO Art. 4 home occupation/agriculture rules apply).
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Cary, NC
Cary regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound permits available for events. N.C.G.S. §14-288.4 applies to unreasonable disturbances.
Cary, NC
Cary Code of Ordinances Chapter 22, Division 2 prohibits unreasonably loud, disturbing noises that annoy, disturb, or endanger citizens. The ordinance restri...
Cary, NC
Cary regulates construction noise through its general noise ordinance (Chapter 22). Construction activity near residential areas should be confined to reason...
Cary, NC
Cary's noise ordinance covers barking dogs under the general prohibition on disturbing noises. Persistently barking dogs that disturb neighbors may result in...
Cary, NC
Cary's Land Development Ordinance restricts parking of RVs, boats, and trailers in residential areas. These vehicles typically must be stored in rear or side...
Cary, NC
Cary restricts parking of commercial vehicles in residential zones. Large commercial vehicles, semi-trucks, and heavy equipment may not be stored in resident...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Wake County.
See how other cities in Wake County handle chickens & livestock.
See how Cary's chickens & livestock rules stack up against other locations.
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