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

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

Key Facts

At-large ban
Fowl/livestock may not roam free
Flock limits
Set by NewZO zoning, not Ch. 22
2018 change
Limited backyard chickens/bees allowed
Rural lots
Larger flocks, roosters generally allowed
Fine range
$100 to $1,000 per count

Summary

Chatham County's animal code forbids livestock and domestic fowl from running at large. Keeping backyard chickens and small livestock in the unincorporated county is governed by the Chatham County-Savannah zoning ordinance, which a 2018 amendment opened to limited backyard flocks.

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

It shall be unlawful for the owner of any livestock or domestic fowl to permit the same to run at large within Chatham County or to keep the same in any manner in any street or public place.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Chatham County Code §22-103(a) makes it unlawful for the owner of any livestock or domestic fowl to permit them to run at large within the county or to keep them in any street or public place. The county's own Chapter 22 does not cap how many chickens you may keep at home; that is set by the Chatham County-Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission's unified zoning ordinance (NewZO). A 2018 MPC-recommended amendment allowed unincorporated homeowners to keep limited chickens, bees, and small livestock regardless of zoning class, with larger flocks and roosters generally allowed on bigger rural lots. Check your parcel's zoning district and any HOA rules before adding hens.

Violations & Fines

Letting fowl or livestock run at large is enforceable by Animal Services with a fine of $100 to $1,000 per count (§22-106); zoning-based flock limits are enforced by the MPC/county code compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many chickens can I keep in unincorporated Chatham County?
The animal-control chapter sets no cap; the limit comes from your zoning district under the Chatham County-Savannah NewZO. A 2018 amendment permits limited backyard flocks regardless of zoning class.
Can my chickens roam the neighborhood?
No. Section 22-103(a) makes it unlawful to let domestic fowl or livestock run at large in the county or keep them in a street or public place.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Chatham County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSignificant RestrictionsMicrochippingSome RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsExotic PetsSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: FireworksHeavy Restrictions

All Chatham County rules

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

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