Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in St. Charles County

St. Charles County, MO Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Significant Restrictions

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

Key Facts

Rooster ban: Under 5-acre residential lots
Hen limit: 8 hens on 10,000+ sq ft lots
Coop size cap: 100 square feet, one per lot
Coop setback: 10 ft from property line
Max fine: $1,000 or 1 year jail

Summary

St. Charles County bans roosters on residential lots under five acres and caps hens at eight per lot, with fenced-enclosure and coop rules for anyone keeping chickens on residentially zoned land.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of St. Charles 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 own, possess, harbor or keep a rooster in a residentially zoned parcel of land less than five (5) acres in size. ... Hens may be kept on residential property. A rooster may only be kept on a residentially zoned parcel of land five (5) acres or more in size. In residential lots of ten thousand (10,000) square feet or more, the maximum number of hens that may be kept is eight (8).

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4863880; v61 updated 2026-05-11; through 05-11-2026).

Full Breakdown

County code bans keeping a rooster on any residentially zoned parcel under five acres. Hens are allowed for personal (non-commercial) use, capped at eight on residential lots of 10,000 square feet or larger. Hens must be confined behind a secure wire fence in the rear yard, and any chicken coop is capped at 100 square feet, limited to one per lot, and must sit at least 10 feet from any property line and 25 feet from a neighboring residence. Slaughtering chickens on the property is banned outright, and the rules do not limit livestock on agriculturally zoned land.

Violations & Fines

Violating any Chapter 205 animal provision is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $1,000, up to a year in jail, or both, with each day of violation a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep a rooster in St. Charles County?

Only if your residentially zoned parcel is five acres or larger; smaller residential lots may keep hens only, not roosters.

How many hens can I keep at home?

Up to eight hens on a residential lot of 10,000 square feet or more, for personal use only: selling hens or eggs is not allowed.

How big can my chicken coop be?

One coop per lot, no larger than 100 square feet, set back at least 10 feet from property lines and 25 feet from neighboring homes.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in St. Charles County

Dog Leash LawsSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome Restrictions Cat RulesSome Restrictions Pet Groomer RulesSome Restrictions Mandatory Spay/NeuterSome Restrictions Wildlife FeedingHeavy Restrictions Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome Restrictions Breed RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions Pet Store RulesSome Restrictions Pet LimitsSome Restrictions MicrochippingSome Restrictions BeekeepingSignificant Restrictions Exotic PetsHeavy Restrictions Fence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome Restrictions Fire Regulations: Propane StorageSome Restrictions Fire Regulations: FireworksSignificant Restrictions Environmental Rules: Stormwater ManagementSome Restrictions

All St. Charles County rules

How St. Charles County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare St. Charles County to another location·View the Missouri animal ordinances overview

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