Olathe, KS Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Max chickens (<3 acres)
- 10, roosters prohibited
- Max chickens (3+ acres)
- No maximum
- Coop setback
- 6 feet from lot line
- Enclosure size
- 2 sq ft/bird, run required
- Max coop size
- 84 sq ft w/o extra permit
Summary
Olathe allows up to 10 chickens (roosters banned) on lots under 3 acres with a permit, and unlimited chickens on larger lots, with set coop size and setback rules.
Small Farm Animals | < 3 acres | Yes | 10 animals; roosters prohibited ... a. Chicken coops, chicken tractors, and all other animal enclosures is six (6) feet. ... b. Enclosures for chickens and rabbits must be a minimum of two (2) square feet per animal and include a run. c. No chicken coop, chicken tractor or other small farm animal enclosure will exceed eighty-four (84) square feet unless authorized by a special animal permit.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 26-39, passed July 21, 2026).
Full Breakdown
UDO § 18.50.030 classes chickens as "small farm animals." On lots under 3 acres, a special animal permit allows up to 10 birds, but roosters are prohibited; on lots of 3 acres or more, no permit is needed and there's no cap. Coops and enclosures must sit at least 6 feet from lot lines, provide at least 2 square feet per bird plus a run, and can't exceed 84 square feet total unless a special animal permit authorizes a larger enclosure.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the 10-bird cap, keeping roosters on a sub-3-acre lot, or building an oversized/undersetback coop without a permit violates § 18.50.030, enforceable under § 18.70.030 with fines up to $500 per offense and each day a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many chickens can I keep in Olathe?
How big must a chicken coop be in Olathe?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Olathe
How Olathe compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Olathe to another location·View the Kansas animal ordinances overview
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Chickens & Livestock in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Johnson County handle chickens & livestock.