Washington County, AR Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Rural Livestock
- Broadly allowed
- Poultry
- Major regional industry
- Right to Farm
- Ark. Code 2-4-101
- Cities
- Cap backyard flocks
Summary
Unincorporated Washington County broadly allows chickens, cattle, horses, and other livestock on rural and agricultural parcels, core to the region's poultry economy. City limits like Fayetteville cap backyard flocks.
'Agricultural operation' or 'farming operation' means an agricultural, silvicultural, or aquacultural facility or pursuit conducted, in whole or in part, including: (A) The care and production of livestock and livestock products, poultry and poultry products, apiary products, and plant and animal production for nonfood uses
Full Breakdown
Livestock is a way of life in unincorporated Washington County, the heart of Northwest Arkansas poultry country, so cattle, horses, goats, hogs, and poultry are broadly permitted on agricultural and larger rural lots. Commercial poultry and other farming operations are shielded from nuisance suits by the Arkansas Right to Farm Act, Ark. Code 2-4-101 et seq. The cities are stricter: Fayetteville allows backyard hens with coop setbacks and discourages roosters, while Springdale and other municipalities cap flock size and restrict larger animals to bigger lots.
Violations & Fines
Keeping livestock on a lot too small or too close to a neighbor in a zoned or city area can bring a nuisance or zoning citation with fines and a removal order after notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I raise livestock in Washington County?
Are backyard chickens allowed in Fayetteville?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Washington County
How Washington County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Washington County to another location·View the Arkansas animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.