Dorchester County, SC Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Max Animals
- 10 hens/rabbits combined
- Min Lot
- Over 7,500 sq ft
- Roosters
- Not allowed
- Confinement
- Rear of property
- HOA
- May prohibit
Summary
Dorchester County allows up to ten female chickens and rabbits combined on a residential lot larger than 7,500 square feet under Zoning Standards Section 10.3.1(s). Roosters are effectively barred, animals must be confined to the rear, and HOAs may prohibit them.
Female chickens and/or rabbits, provided that the total number of such animals, or any combination thereof, shall not exceed a total of ten (10), on individual lots containing more than 7,500 square feet and being used for Residential, Single-Family Detached or Residential, Manufactured Housing Unit; provided, however, that all such animals must be suitably confined to the rear of the property by fencing or other appropriate confinement mechanism and appropriate sanitation is maintained.
Full Breakdown
Backyard poultry in unincorporated Dorchester County is set by ZLDS Section 10.3.1(s): on a single-family detached or manufactured-home lot larger than 7,500 square feet, a resident may keep up to ten animals total counting female chickens and rabbits together. Because the code authorizes only female chickens, roosters are not allowed. The animals must be confined to the rear of the property by fencing or other means, with sanitation maintained. Larger livestock such as cattle, goats, and horses belongs in the county's rural and agricultural districts around St. George, not suburban Summerville neighborhoods. The ordinance expressly warns that HOA covenants may prohibit these animals outright.
Violations & Fines
Keeping roosters, exceeding ten animals, failing to confine hens to the rear, or letting conditions turn unsanitary is a zoning violation enforced by Dorchester County code enforcement, with correction notices and fines. HOA prohibitions are enforced separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep backyard chickens?
Are roosters allowed?
What about goats or cattle?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dorchester County
How Dorchester County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Dorchester County to another location·View the South Carolina animal ordinances overview
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