Howard County allows backyard hens on residential lots through its Zoning Regulations. On a single-family detached lot of at least 10,000 square feet you may keep up to eight hens; roosters are prohibited and coops must meet setbacks from lot lines and neighboring homes.
Countywide, animal-keeping on residential land is set by the Howard County Zoning Regulations (Sec. 128.0, accessory/agricultural uses), not by a separate chicken ordinance. On a single-family detached lot of 10,000 square feet or more, up to eight hens are permitted; roosters are not allowed. Coops and runs must sit at least 15 feet from lot lines and 50 feet from a neighbor's dwelling. No county animal permit is required for a small flock, but a building permit may apply to a larger coop. Larger-scale poultry and livestock are permitted on agriculturally zoned (RC/RR) parcels. Maryland also requires anyone keeping poultry to register with the Maryland Department of Agriculture.
Keeping roosters, exceeding the hen count, or violating coop setbacks is a zoning violation enforced by Howard County code enforcement, which can issue correction notices and civil penalties. Check your zoning district and lot size before starting a flock.
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