Springfield, OH Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Chapter 1124 ANIMAL REGULATIONS governs backyard chickens and other fowl in the City of Springfield, Ohio. Section 1124.03(b)(2)(A) applies specific rules on lots under one acre: fowl must be sheltered in a coop and never kept inside a dwelling, and the coop must provide at least four square feet of space per bird. Coops must sit at least five feet from any side property line, at least ten feet from any rear property line, and at least 30 feet from any dwelling on an adjacent lot.

Fowl must be kept inside the coop from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.; during the rest of the day they need access to an unpaved outdoor roaming area of at least eight square feet per bird. Coops and fowl cannot sit in front of the rear wall of the primary structure, must be kept clean to prevent pests and odors, must be predator-proof, must always have water and food available, and any electrical or heat source must meet the City Building Code. Outdoor slaughter of fowl is prohibited outright.

Section 1124.03(b)(2)(B) separately bans roosters on all R-LD and R-HD properties and on any lot under one acre citywide; where roosters are allowed, only one is permitted for every eight fowl, and each must be kept at least 100 feet from any dwelling or building on an adjacent property. Beyond fowl, Section 1124.03(a) sets citywide setbacks for other nonhousehold animals, requiring at least 20 feet from all property lines generally.