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Hendersonville, TN Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Horses/goats zones
RR, ER, SR-1 only
Stocking rate
1 per 30,000 sq ft
Setback
50 ft from property lines
General livestock zones
RR, ER only
Minimum parcel
10 acres

Summary

Hendersonville limits horses, ponies, and goats to the RR, ER, and SR-1 zones at one animal per 30,000 square feet, and restricts all other livestock to RR/ER parcels of at least 10 acres.

4. Horses, ponies, goats, and similar large animals are permitted in RR, ER, and SR-1 zones under the following conditions: A. One per 30,000 square feet of lot area... C. Shall be located at least 50 feet from all property lines except where adjacent to other such animals... 8. Livestock and all other animal keeping and raising is restricted to RR and ER zones on parcels of land containing a minimum of 10 acres.

Full Breakdown

Under Hendersonville's zoning ordinance, horses, ponies, goats, and similar large animals are permitted only in the RR, ER, and SR-1 zoning districts, at a stocking rate of one animal per 30,000 square feet of lot area, kept in a stable or secured fenced area at least 50 feet from every property line. Beyond that specific list, the ordinance restricts all other livestock and animal keeping and raising to the RR and ER zoning districts on parcels of at least 10 acres: it isn't permitted on smaller residential lots at all.

Violations & Fines

Keeping horses, goats, or other livestock outside the RR, ER, or SR-1 zones, below the 30,000-square-foot-per-animal ratio or 10-acre minimum, or without the required setback and enclosure, is a zoning violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep a horse on my Hendersonville property?
Only in the RR, ER, or SR-1 zoning districts, at one horse per 30,000 square feet of lot area with a 50-foot setback from property lines.
Can I raise cattle or other livestock on a smaller lot?
No: general livestock keeping is restricted to RR and ER zoned parcels of at least 10 acres under the zoning ordinance.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Hendersonville

All Hendersonville rules

How Hendersonville compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Hendersonville to another location·View the Tennessee animal ordinances overview

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