Columbus, GA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- SFR limit
- 6 chickens, any lot size
- Larger flocks
- 1 bird unit per 2+ acres
- Ag coop setback
- 100 ft from lot line
- Non-ag coop setback
- 50 ft from lot line
- Cure period
- 30 days after violation notice
Summary
Columbus, Georgia permits up to six chickens on any single-family residential lot regardless of size, while keeping larger fowl flocks requires at least two acres and set bird-unit ratios.
The keeping of fowl shall be allowed as an accessory use on any lot two acres or more in size. The keeping of such domestic fowl shall be in accordance with the following:(1)The number of domestic fowl kept on a given lot shall not exceed the ratio of one bird unit per one acre, with a bird unit identified as follows: 32 chickens equals one bird unit.
16 ducks equals one bird unit.
8 turkeys equals one bird unit.
8 geese equals one bird unit.
(2)When determining the number of domestic fowl permitted, only fowl six weeks or older in age shall be counted.(3)Notwithstanding the other provisions of this paragraph 5-42(a), the keeping of up to six chickens will be permitted on any size lot with a single family residential (SFR) zoning use subject to compliance with the requirements of paragraphs (b) through (g) below.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 75).
Full Breakdown
Columbus, Georgia Code of Ordinances § 5-42 allows keeping fowl as an accessory use on lots two acres or larger, capped at one bird unit per acre (32 chickens, 16 ducks, 8 turkeys, or 8 geese per unit). Section 5-42(a)(3) carves out a citywide exception: up to six chickens are permitted on any size lot zoned single-family residential, subject to the same setback, noise, and odor rules. Structures housing poultry tied to agriculture must sit at least 100 feet from any lot line; non-agricultural fowl shelters must sit at least 50 feet away. A violation draws a 30-day notice to cure before a citation issues in recorder's court.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding six chickens on a standard SFR lot, placing coops closer than the required setback, or causing noise or odor that a 30-day notice fails to correct can result in a citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many chickens can I keep in Columbus, GA?
Do I need a permit for backyard chickens in Columbus?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Columbus
How Columbus compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Columbus to another location·View the Georgia animal ordinances overview
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