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Fort Smith, AR Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

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

Key Facts

Max fowl
20 per lot
Min lot size
21,780 sq ft
Roosters
prohibited
Coop setback
25 ft from homes

Summary

Fort Smith allows up to 20 hens or ducks, no roosters, on lots of at least 21,780 square feet, with coops kept 25 feet from neighboring homes.

Allowed fowl shall include ducks and/or female chickens only. No roosters shall be allowed. All fowl shall be a breed that cannot fly or must be wing-clipped to prevent flight... A maximum of 20 fowl shall be allowed on lots of at least 21,780 square feet... All fowl shall be kept in a fenced rear yard... shall not be located closer than 25 feet to an adjacent residential structure.

View 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 4).

Full Breakdown

Section 27-701-4 of the Unified Development Ordinance permits keeping fowl within city limits under specific conditions. Only ducks and female chickens are allowed, no roosters, and birds must be a breed that cannot fly or must be wing-clipped. A maximum of 20 fowl is allowed on lots of at least 21,780 square feet (roughly half an acre); more requires conditional use approval on larger parcels. Fowl must stay in a fenced rear yard, and any coop, roost, or water feature must sit at least 25 feet from an adjacent residential structure and be kept sanitary.

Violations & Fines

Keeping fowl outside these limits is a citable offense under Sec. 1-13. The city may also order abatement if fowl create a public nuisance or health hazard, reviewable by the city administrator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep roosters in Fort Smith?
No. Section 27-701-4 allows only ducks and female chickens; roosters are not permitted anywhere in the city.
How close can a chicken coop be to my neighbor's house?
Coops, roosts, or water features must sit at least 25 feet from an adjacent residential structure.
What about cows, goats, or horses?
Large livestock require at least one full acre per animal under Section 27-701-2, kept for personal use only, not commercial sale.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Fort Smith

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsPet Store RulesSome RestrictionsWildlife FeedingSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterHeavy RestrictionsPet LimitsSignificant RestrictionsExotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingFew RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Fort Smith rules

How Fort Smith compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Fort Smith to another location·View the Arkansas animal ordinances overview

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