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Forsyth County, GA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Hens
Up to 8
Roosters
Prohibited
Min Lot
Half-acre for chickens
Coop Setback
20 ft lines, 50 ft homes
Livestock
CUP, 2 acres, 1 per acre

Summary

Forsyth County allows up to eight backyard chickens on lots of at least a half-acre under UDC 16-4.4, with roosters banned. Livestock in Res1 needs a conditional use permit, two acres, and one animal per acre (16-4.18).

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Forsyth County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

(a) The minimum lot size for the keeping of backyard chickens shall be one-half acre. (b) No more than eight chickens are permitted on a lot. (c) Chicken coops, chicken houses and/or roosting structures shall not require a building permit... (g) Roosters and any other crowing fowl are prohibited.

Source: Official Code of Georgia AnnotatedView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 43).

Full Breakdown

Backyard chickens are governed by UDC section 16-4.4: a minimum half-acre lot, no more than eight chickens, roosters and all crowing fowl prohibited, and no on-site slaughter. Coops need no building permit but must sit at least 20 feet from side and rear lines and 50 feet from neighboring homes, with five square feet per bird. Livestock is stricter: under section 16-4.18, raising livestock in the Res1 district requires a conditional use permit, a two-acre minimum, one animal per acre, and structures 50 feet from any property line. Agricultural A1 parcels follow separate, more permissive poultry-house rules.

Violations & Fines

Keeping roosters, exceeding eight hens, siting a coop inside the setbacks, or raising livestock without the required conditional use permit is a UDC violation enforced by county code compliance, with correction notices, daily fines, and animal removal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep backyard chickens in Forsyth County?
Yes: up to eight hens on a lot of at least a half-acre under UDC 16-4.4. Roosters and other crowing fowl are prohibited.
Can I keep goats or cattle on a residential lot?
Only with a conditional use permit on at least two acres in Res1, limited to one animal per acre, under UDC 16-4.18.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Forsyth County

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsCat RulesLight RestrictionsMicrochippingLight RestrictionsPet Store RulesHeavy RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterLight RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsFew RestrictionsBeekeepingFew RestrictionsExotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsWildlife FeedingFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome Restrictions

All Forsyth County rules

How Forsyth County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Forsyth County to another location·View the Georgia animal ordinances overview

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