Oklahoma City, OK Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Hen/quail limit
- 6 per lot under 1 acre
- Roosters
- Not allowed
- Coop space
- 4 sq ft per bird
- Rear/side setback
- 10 ft / 5 ft
- Setback from neighbor's house
- 30 feet
Summary
OKC zoning caps backyard flocks at six hens or quail on lots under an acre, bans roosters, and sets coop setback and care rules.
On parcels of less than one acre, keeping, feeding, and maintaining of up to a total of six chickens (hens) or quail shall be permitted.(1)No roosters shall be allowed.(2)Chickens and quail shall be sheltered in a coop and shall not be allowed inside a dwelling.(3)A coop shall provide at least four square feet of space per chicken or quail. Coops shall be located no closer than five feet from any side property line and no closer than ten feet from any rear property line. Coops shall be located at least 30 feet from any dwelling unit located on an adjacent lot.(4)Chickens or quail shall be kept within a coop from dusk until dawn. During the other hours of the day, chickens or quail shall have access to an unpaved outdoor roaming area of at least eight square feet per animal.(5)Chickens or quail or their coops or enclosures shall not be allowed front of the rear wall of the primary structure.(6)Coops shall be kept clean so as to prevent pests, infestations, and noxious odors.(7)Coops shall be designed, built, and maintained to prevent access by predators.(8)Water and food shall be provided onsite and accessible at all times.(9)Any electrical or heat sources shall comply with the City Building Code.(10)Outdoor slaughter of chickens or quail is prohibited.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 5 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Under Oklahoma City Municipal Code § 59-9350.7.1, parcels under one acre may keep up to six chickens (hens) or quail without a permit: no roosters allowed. Birds must be housed in a coop giving at least four square feet per animal, set back at least five feet from side lines, ten feet from rear lines, and 30 feet from a neighboring dwelling. Coops must be behind the front wall of the main house, predator-proof, kept clean, and birds get an unpaved roaming area of at least eight square feet each outside dusk-to-dawn coop hours. Outdoor slaughter is banned. Larger livestock (horses, cattle, goats, hogs) require at least one acre and much bigger setbacks under the adjoining commercial/personal animal-raising standards, and Chapter 8 separately requires all livestock and domesticated fowl to stay confined to the owner's property.
Violations & Fines
Animal Welfare (part of Chapter 8) and zoning code enforcement handle complaints; unconfined livestock or fowl under § 8-41, or coops/flocks that violate § 59-9350.7.1's limits and setbacks, can draw a citation and an order to correct or remove the violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a rooster in Oklahoma City?
Do I need a permit for six backyard hens?
Can I keep goats or a cow in the city?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Oklahoma City
How Oklahoma City compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Oklahoma City to another location·View the Oklahoma animal ordinances overview
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Chickens & Livestock in Nearby Cities
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