Jefferson County, AL Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Birmingham Code §3-1-52 allows up to 6 hens on residential parcels with coop setbacks of at least 25 feet from any dwelling on an adjoining property and 10 feet from property lines. Roosters are prohibited citywide due to noise. Coops must be predator-proof and waste must be managed to prevent odor and rodent nuisance. Hoover Zoning Ordinance restricts poultry to A-1 Agricultural zones only. Vestavia Hills Code §7-2 prohibits livestock including chickens in residential zones. Mountain Brook permits chickens only on properties over 2 acres with strict coop placement. Homewood Code §5-2 prohibits livestock in residential zones. In unincorporated Jefferson County under Home Rule authority, large-lot rural areas particularly in the western county (near McCalla and outside Bessemer) allow traditional livestock (goats, hogs, cattle) subject to county nuisance provisions. Alabama Right-to-Farm Act (Ala. Code §6-5-127) protects established agricultural uses from nuisance claims. Jefferson County Animal Control handles enforcement in unincorporated areas; Birmingham-Jefferson County Animal Control Authority (BJCACA) serves many incorporated areas.