Lenexa, KS Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Section 3-2-H-1 opens with a ban: it is unlawful to own any livestock or poultry in the City except as the Article allows. The number depends on zoning and lot size under Table A, and lot size is read from the Johnson County, Kansas Land Records kept by the Johnson County Appraiser. Poultry means chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, peafowl and similar farm birds; ostriches, emus and cassowaries count as livestock (§ 3-2-G-5 and § 3-2-G-4).

In AG, RE and RPE districts the table allows poultry as follows: 4 birds on a lot under 1 acre, 5 per acre up to 15 on 1 to 3 acres, and on 3 or more acres no limit in AG or a maximum of 5 per acre in RE and RPE. That RE and RPE 3-acre figure depends on setback compliance and at least 4 square feet per bird for a coop plus 4 square feet per bird for a pen. Livestock is 0 on lots under 1 acre, 2 per acre up to 6 on 1 to 3 acres, and on 3 or more acres no limit in AG or a maximum of 6 in RE and RPE. In every other zoning district the table sets 0 poultry and 0 livestock at any lot size. Subsection A also states a minimum lot size of 1 acre, which sits beside the under-1-acre columns, so confirm with Animal Control which controls for a specific parcel.

Setbacks (§ 3-2-H-1-B): no corral, shelter or containment area within 100 feet of any adjacent dwelling other than the owner's, within 100 feet of the front lot line or front building line, whichever is greater, or within 25 feet of any side or rear property line.

A special livestock permit is required to go outside the numeric, lot size or setback limits, and only AG, RE and RPE parcels can apply; no deviations are allowed elsewhere (§ 3-2-H-2). Animal Control notifies neighbors, inspects, and issues a written decision. After a denial, excess animals must leave within seven days regardless of any appeal, and a six-month wait applies before reapplying. Appeals go to the Lenexa Municipal Court within ten days, with a hearing within fourteen days after the appeal is perfected. Permits expire December 31 and are renewed for the same number and species.