Gaithersburg allows up to 6 hens on residential properties under Chapter 4 (Animals and Fowl). Chickens must be housed at least 30 feet from neighboring homes and 5 feet from lot lines. Roosters are prohibited. Flock registration with the Maryland Department of Agriculture is required.
Gaithersburg Chapter 4 (Animals and Fowl) permits keeping up to 6 hens on residential property. Chicken coops and enclosures must be located at least 30 feet from neighboring homes and at least 5 feet from property lot lines. More than 6 chickens are allowed only if the coop is at least 200 feet from all neighboring homes. Roosters are prohibited in residential areas. All flocks must be registered with the Maryland Department of Agriculture as required by state law. Coops must be kept clean and sanitary to avoid nuisance complaints. Slaughtering of poultry in residential zones may be restricted. Livestock such as goats, pigs, and cattle are generally not permitted in standard residential zoning districts but may be allowed on properties zoned for agricultural use under the Gaithersburg zoning code. Beekeeping is addressed separately under Montgomery County regulations.
Exceeding hen limit: Chapter 4 violation. Roosters in residential zone: prohibited animal citation. Coop too close to neighboring home: setback violation. Unregistered flock: state agriculture violation.
Gaithersburg, MD
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