Cornelius allows backyard chickens in residential zones up to a limit (typically 6-10 hens) with no roosters. Coops must be set back at least 10 feet from property lines and 25 feet from neighboring dwellings. Lot size minimum typically applies.
Cornelius Land Development Code permits 'agricultural accessory uses' including backyard chickens in most residential zoning districts (R-3, R-4, R-SF) subject to conditions. Typical allowance is 6-10 hens with no roosters on lots of at least 20,000 square feet (roughly half-acre); smaller lots may be limited to 4 hens. Coops and runs must be set back at least 10 feet from any property line and at least 25 feet from any neighboring dwelling. Coops must be clean, enclosed, rodent-resistant, and of finished construction — not ramshackle. On-site slaughter is prohibited. Sales of eggs at retail require a county health-department permit. NC Right-to-Farm Act (N.C.G.S. 106-701) provides protection for bona fide farms but does not override municipal zoning for hobby flocks. HOAs in most Cornelius lakefront subdivisions prohibit poultry entirely through CC&Rs — always check before buying chicks. Chickens are subject to the Mecklenburg County Animal Care & Control rabies/nuisance rules even though they are birds, not mammals, because complaints are routed through county enforcement.
Unpermitted rooster or exceeding hen limit: 50 to 250 dollar civil penalty with 30-day cure period. Non-compliant coop setbacks: order to relocate plus 100 dollars per day fine. HOA poultry prohibition violations handled through CC&R enforcement with separate fines.
Cornelius, NC
Aircraft noise is preempted by federal law (FAA) and not regulated by Cornelius. Charlotte-Douglas International Airport is approximately 20 miles south and ...
Cornelius, NC
Construction activity in Cornelius is restricted to 7:00 AM through 7:00 PM Monday-Saturday with no Sunday work permitted in residential zones. Emergency rep...
Cornelius, NC
Persistent barking, howling, or animal noise audible beyond the owner's property for more than 15 continuous minutes or intermittently for 30 minutes violate...
Cornelius, NC
Cornelius defines abandoned vehicles per NCGS 20-137.7 as vehicles left on public property over 7 days or private property without permission over 24 hours. ...
Cornelius, NC
Cornelius prohibits parking on public streets for more than 72 consecutive hours per Town Code Chapter 10. No overnight parking is allowed on designated stre...
Cornelius, NC
Fences 6 feet and under generally do not require a building permit in Cornelius but still require zoning compliance review. Fences over 6 feet require buildi...
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