Huntsville, AL Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Setback from neighbor's dwelling
- 150 feet
- Minimum pen space per animal/fowl
- 15 sq. ft.
- Minimum corral space, 1st animal
- 12,000 sq. ft.
- Hog setback
- 300 yards from residences
- Fine range
- $25.00–$500.00
Summary
Huntsville lets residents keep chickens and other fowl or livestock, but any corral, stable or pen must sit at least 150 feet from a neighbor's occupied dwelling.
It shall be unlawful for any owner or person in charge to keep any animal or fowl in the city in any corral, stable or pen any part of which is within 150 feet of a dwelling occupied by a person other than the owner or person in charge of the animal or fowl...; however, this section shall not apply to enclosures in which animals or fowl have been continuously kept before May 10, 1979.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 30 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
City Code Sec. 5-105 bars keeping any animal or fowl in a corral, stable or pen within 150 feet of a dwelling owned or occupied by someone other than the animal's owner, unless the enclosure predates May 10, 1979. Sec. 5-106 requires corrals to have 12,000 sq. ft. for the first animal plus 10,000 sq. ft. per additional animal; Sec. 5-107 sets a 15-square-foot minimum per animal or fowl in a pen. Hogs face a separate 300-yard setback under Sec. 5-103.
Violations & Fines
Misdemeanor under Sec. 5-16: fine of not less than $25.00 nor more than $500.00, enforced by Huntsville Animal Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep chickens in my Huntsville backyard?
Is there a grandfather clause for existing coops?
Are hogs treated differently?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Huntsville
How Huntsville compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Huntsville to another location·View the Alabama animal ordinances overview
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Chickens & Livestock in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Madison County handle chickens & livestock.