Johns Creek, GA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Horses/cows/sheep/goats setback
- 100 feet from occupied buildings
- Hogs setback
- 900 feet from occupied buildings
- Max horses/cows
- 5 per premises
- Max hogs/sheep/goats
- 10 per premises
Summary
Horses, cows, sheep, goats, and hogs may be kept on residential property in Johns Creek if set back 100 to 900 feet from neighboring homes depending on species, with a 150-square-foot floor-area minimum and a 5-to-10 head cap per premises.
Livestock means horses, mules, cows, sheep, goats, hogs, and all other animals used or suitable for either food or labor...A domestic animal or livestock shall be kept at the following minimum distances from any occupied building, except the dwelling unit of the owner...Horse, mules, asses, cows, sheep or goats 100...Hogs 900...the maximum number of domestic animals or livestock that may be kept on any single premises shall not exceed the following...Horse, mules, asses, cows 5...Hogs 10.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Johns Creek Code § 10-1 defines livestock as horses, mules, cows, sheep, goats, hogs, and other animals used for food or labor; § 10-4(b) sets the residential keeping standards. Horses, mules, asses, cows, sheep, and goats must be kept at least 100 feet from any occupied building besides the owner's home, hogs at least 900 feet, with a 150-square-foot floor-area minimum per animal. Premises are capped at 5 horses/mules/asses/cows or 10 sheep, goats, or hogs, outside land zoned agricultural. Enclosures must be kept sanitary and free of excrement buildup.
Violations & Fines
Keeping livestock inside the required setback, below the floor-area minimum, or over the head-count cap violates § 10-4 and is punishable under Sec. 1-7: up to $1,000 and six months jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a horse or cow on residential property in Johns Creek?
What counts as livestock under Johns Creek's code?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Johns Creek
How Johns Creek compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Johns Creek to another location·View the Georgia animal ordinances overview
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