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Paulding County, GA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Rule
Tied to zoning district
Section
Code Sec. 14-11
Allowed
A-1, ER acreage
Suburban
Generally barred

Summary

Paulding County ties poultry and livestock keeping to zoning. Chapter 14 Section 14-11 bars any livestock or fowl enclosure not authorized by the county's zoning ordinances. Rural A-1 and ER acreage permits them; suburban lots do not.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Paulding County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

It shall be unlawful for any person to have, control or possess any pasture or enclosure for livestock or fowl in any fashion not authorized by the zoning ordinances of the county. All pastures or enclosures shall at all times be kept and maintained in a proper, clean, and sanitary condition.

Source: Georgia Code (O.C.G.A.)View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 35).

Full Breakdown

Whether you can keep chickens, goats, or cattle in Paulding County depends on your zoning district. Under Chapter 14, Section 14-11, it is unlawful to keep any pasture or enclosure for livestock or fowl in a manner not authorized by the county's zoning ordinances, and all enclosures must stay clean and sanitary. The rural A-1 Agricultural district, with five-acre minimum lots, and the ER Estate Residential district readily accommodate poultry and grazing livestock. Compact suburban districts like R-3 and R-55 are built for subdivisions and do not support livestock. Loose livestock is a sheriff's-office matter under Georgia's stock law, O.C.G.A. Section 4-3-1 et seq., which the county references directly.

Violations & Fines

Keeping livestock or fowl in a zoning district that does not allow it, or in an unsanitary enclosure, violates Section 14-11 and draws a code-enforcement order. Livestock running at large is enforced by the sheriff's office under state stock law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep chickens in Paulding County?
It depends on your zoning. Agricultural and estate-zoned acreage allows poultry; suburban subdivision lots generally do not. Section 14-11 requires the use be authorized by county zoning.
Who handles loose livestock?
The county sheriff's office, under Georgia's stock law, O.C.G.A. Section 4-3-1 et seq. Animal control provides administrative assistance, but the sheriff has primary responsibility.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Paulding County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSignificant RestrictionsBeekeepingFew RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsFew RestrictionsExotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsFire Regulations: Outdoor BurningSignificant Restrictions

All Paulding County rules

How Paulding County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Paulding County to another location·View the Georgia animal ordinances overview

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