Raleigh, NC Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

The City of Raleigh permits residents to keep a limited number of backyard chickens for personal use under the Raleigh Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and Part 12 of the City Code (Animals). Hens are allowed on residential lots of 10,000 square feet or more, with a typical maximum of 10 hens; roosters are prohibited citywide due to noise. Chickens must be kept in a coop and an enclosed, predator-proof run that is set back a minimum distance from property lines (commonly 25 feet from any dwelling not on the owner's property) and from neighboring structures. Coops and runs must be kept clean, sanitary, and free of odors and vermin; violations are handled by Raleigh Animal Control and Code Enforcement. The slaughter of chickens on residential property is prohibited. Other livestock such as goats, sheep, pigs, cattle, and horses are generally restricted to properties in agricultural zoning districts (R-R and RX) and typically require larger acreage. Miniature goats and potbellied pigs are not automatically permitted as household pets in standard residential districts. All livestock owners must comply with county public health rules on waste and disease control, and confined animal operations may trigger state permitting under NCDEQ.