Gastonia, NC Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

City Code § 10-18(e) requires a permit before keeping chickens, and none may issue unless the tract is at least one-fourth acre, with no roosters allowed, a maximum of five hens on a quarter-to-half-acre tract, and up to ten hens on a tract larger than half an acre. Keeping must be personal and noncommercial, hens need a secure, ventilated coop at least 18 inches tall providing four square feet per bird with a run or ten square feet without one, and total coop-and-run area cannot exceed 300 square feet.

Coops cannot sit in the front yard, within ten feet of a property line, or within 50 feet of another residence, and must stay clean and free of odor. Section 10-18(c) and (d) separately govern livestock (cows, goats, sheep) and other domestic fowl like turkeys, ducks and geese: livestock needs at least one acre, with two acres of pasture per cow and a quarter acre per goat or sheep, secure fencing, adequate shelter, and barns kept 25 feet from property lines and 100 feet from another residence; fowl other than chickens need at least one acre and no more than 20 birds per acre. The administrator investigates applications, notifies adjoining owners by mail, and allows 30 days for public comment before deciding.