Hoover, AL Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum lot size
- 5 acres for livestock
- Side/rear setback
- 50 feet minimum
- Front setback
- 75 feet minimum
- Neighbor-dwelling setback
- 100 feet minimum
Summary
Hoover requires a minimum five-acre lot to house or raise livestock beyond the animals already allowed in residential zones, with enclosures set back 50 to 100 feet from property lines and homes.
A. A minimum lot area of five acres is required in order to house or raise any livestock or animals other than those permitted in the residential zones of the City. ... C. All structures, cages, pens and other facilities used for the feeding or housing of any livestock or animals ... must be set back a minimum of 50 feet from the side and rear property lines, 75 feet from the front property line and 100 feet from any residential dwelling other than the principal single-family dwelling located on the same tract of land.
Full Breakdown
Outside the A-1 Agriculture District, Hoover's zoning ordinance caps livestock keeping tightly: raising or housing livestock or animals not already permitted in residential zones requires a minimum five-acre lot. Waste from any livestock must be managed to avoid polluting groundwater, lakes or streams, and structures, cages or pens used to feed or house those animals must sit at least 50 feet from side and rear lines, 75 feet from the front line, and 100 feet from any dwelling other than the owner's own house.
Violations & Fines
Keeping livestock on a lot under five acres, or placing animal enclosures inside the required setbacks, is a zoning violation the Building Official can cite and order corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a horse or goats on a normal residential lot in Hoover?
How far must a livestock pen sit from my neighbor's house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hoover
How Hoover compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Hoover to another location·View the Alabama animal ordinances overview
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Chickens & Livestock in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Jefferson County handle chickens & livestock.