Montgomery County, OH Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- County rule
- None for cities/villages
- Township enabling law
- ORC 519.21
- Over 5 acres
- Husbandry largely unregulated
- Small platted lots
- May be regulated
- Backyard hens
- Set by your city/village
Summary
The county sets no countywide chicken or livestock rule for incorporated areas. In townships, Ohio's agricultural zoning exemption (ORC 519.21) limits regulation of animal husbandry, especially on lots over five acres. Cities and villages set their own backyard-chicken rules.
Division (B) of this section confers no power on any township zoning commission, board of township trustees, or board of zoning appeals to prohibit... agriculture, buildings or structures, and dairying and animal and poultry husbandry on lots greater than five acres.
Full Breakdown
Whether you can keep chickens or livestock is decided by your city, village, or township, not the county. In unincorporated township land, ORC 519.21(A) bars township zoning from prohibiting agricultural uses, and division (B) removes township power to regulate animal and poultry husbandry on lots greater than five acres. On smaller platted lots (under one acre, or one-to-five acres in subdivisions of 15+ lots) townships may regulate. Municipalities such as Dayton, Kettering and Huber Heights each set their own backyard-chicken limits, coop setbacks and rooster bans. Always confirm with your local zoning office.
Violations & Fines
Penalties are set by the municipal or township zoning code that applies to your parcel; typical remedies are zoning-violation notices and per-day fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep backyard chickens in Montgomery County?
Do townships regulate farm animals?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Montgomery County
How Montgomery County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Montgomery County to another location·View the Ohio animal ordinances overview
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