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

Section 4.03.02.01 of the Unified Land Development Code defines a backyard chicken as a pullet or hen of the Gallus Domesticus raised for food or companionship as a pet. All other poultry are prohibited unless another zoning classification allows them. Backyard chickens are permitted in the A-1, R-1 and RA-1 districts. Private neighborhood covenants stay in force, but Gordon County does not investigate or enforce them.

Acreage drives the numbers. No birds are allowed on less than two acres. On tracts of two to five acres the ceiling is 24 birds in total, hens and roosters combined, with one rooster for every four hens. Sales are barred on R-1 and RA-1 property. On A-1 property chickens and eggs can be sold subject to all other regulations and licensing requirements.

The physical rules are specific. Chickens must stay in a fenced enclosed area at all times and cannot stray onto another person's property or a public right-of-way. Coops and feeding areas must have a roof. Houses and enclosures must be clean and sanitary, at least 30 feet from the property line in all zones and at least 50 feet from residential structures on neighboring parcels. A structure over 100 square feet counts as an accessory structure under Chapter 5.02.00. Feed must be stored in a fully enclosed, rodent-proof container. Registering a flock with the Gordon County Planning and Development office is voluntary and free, and asks for name, address, telephone number and number of chickens so health officials can find birds if avian influenza is detected.

Larger livestock fall under Table 4.03.02(E). Agricultural and farming operations need a minimum of 5 acres, the allowed livestock are poultry (chicken coops), swine, bovine, goats, sheep and equine, and the owner must have a management plan for odor and pest control. The parcel must be fenced if free roaming livestock is kept. Non-commercial horse stables need 5 acres in A-1 and 3 acres in RA-1 and R-1, with no more than one horse per acre of improved pastureland or per two acres of unimproved pastureland.