Lakewood, OH Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- LCO Sec. 505.18(b)-(e)
- Max Hens
- 6 per lot (hens only, no roosters)
- Permit Fee / Cap
- $25 annual; citywide cap of 50 permits
- Coop Setback
- 3 ft from side/rear lines; 20 ft behind house
- Banned Livestock
- Goats, sheep, swine, horses, roosters, ducks, geese, turkeys
Summary
Lakewood allows up to six female chickens (hens) by annual permit in R1 and R2 residential districts, with a citywide cap of 50 permits. Roosters, other game birds, and most livestock (goats, sheep, swine, etc.) are prohibited as 'dangerous animals' under Section 505.18.
Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, female chickens ('hens,' for the purpose of this subsection (e)), may be kept in the City only in accordance with the following regulations: (1) Zoning Districts. Hens may be kept only in an R1 Residential Single-Family or R2 Residential Single- and Two-Family District. (2) Application, Permit and Renewal. Before the keeping of hens may occur, an annual permit shall have first been obtained from the Director of Public Safety. The permit application must be accompanied by a $25.00 fee paid to the City. ... (4) Personal Use; Limitations. Hens may be kept only for personal use by persons residing in the principal structure on the lot on which the hens are kept. No hens may be kept on a lot containing more than three dwelling units. Residents of no more than one dwelling unit within a structure may keep hens on that lot. No more than six hens shall be allowed on any lot. (5) Setbacks. Coops or accessory structures housing hens shall be kept at least three feet from the side and rear property lines. All such structures shall be located no less than 20 feet behind the rearmost wall of the principal structure on the lot.
Full Breakdown
18(e): female chickens ('hens') may be kept only in an R1 Residential Single-Family or R2 Residential Single- and Two-Family District, and only after obtaining an annual permit from the Director of Public Safety with a $25 fee, a completed backyard-hen class from OSU Extension or another approved source, and a coop/enclosure plan. No more than six hens are allowed on any lot, and no hens may be kept on a lot with more than three dwelling units. Coops must sit at least three feet from side and rear lot lines and at least 20 feet behind the rearmost wall of the principal structure; the coop and run must not exceed 80 square feet or six feet in height, with at least three square feet per hen. Hens may be slaughtered only as permitted under Chapter 918 of the Ohio Revised Code. The City caps total active permits at 50.
Violations & Fines
Violation of Section 505.18 is a minor misdemeanor, with a separate offense deemed committed for each day a violation continues. A permit may be revoked by the Director of Public Safety for material noncompliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep backyard chickens in Lakewood?
Are goats, pigs, or other livestock allowed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lakewood
How Lakewood compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Lakewood to another location·View the Ohio animal ordinances overview
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Chickens & Livestock in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Cuyahoga County handle chickens & livestock.