Union County, NC Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Livestock/poultry setback
- 150 feet from all lot lines
- Shared-owner exception
- No setback against same-owner lot
- Non-farm chicken coop cap
- 144 sq ft, 12 ft height
- Bona fide farms
- Exempt from this section
Summary
Outside of a bona fide farm, any area in unincorporated Union County where livestock or poultry are housed must sit at least 150 feet back from all lot lines under the Unified Development Ordinance, though that setback drops away where the neighboring lot shares the same owner.
Except where livestock or poultry are kept on a bona fide farm that is exempt from regulations under this ordinance or under §35.010-D (2), all areas where livestock or poultry are housed must be set back at least 150 feet from all lot lines. This setback is not required from lot lines abutting a lot that is under the same ownership as the subject lot.
Full Breakdown
100 of the Union County Unified Development Ordinance sets a flat 150-foot setback from all lot lines for any area where livestock or poultry are housed, whether that is a coop, barn, pen, or pasture shelter. The setback does not apply against a lot line that borders land under the same ownership as the subject lot, so a landowner can house animals close to the boundary of their own adjoining parcel. 010-D(2). 100 livestock and poultry exceptions. Together the two provisions mean a resident who wants animals close to the house has to either qualify as a bona fide farm or keep the coop small and the housed animals 150 feet from every lot line that is not shared with the same owner.
Violations & Fines
Housing livestock or poultry closer than the required 150-foot setback, or building an oversized coop outside the farm exemption, is a violation of the Unified Development Ordinance enforced under Article 95. The Administrator can deny or revoke zoning permits tied to the property, and the violation is a misdemeanor carrying a fine up to $500 or up to 30 days in jail under NCGS 14-4, or a civil citation schedule of $50, $200, then $500 for repeat offenses, with each day treated as a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far must a chicken coop be from my neighbor's property line in Union County?
Is there a size limit on backyard chicken coops in unincorporated Union County?
Does the 150-foot livestock setback apply to a working farm in Union County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Union County
How Union County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Union County to another location·View the North Carolina animal ordinances overview
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