Takoma Park, MD Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Takoma Park permits backyard chickens on residential property, reflecting the city's progressive stance on urban agriculture and sustainability. Residents may keep up to six hens without a special permit or variance. Roosters are prohibited due to noise concerns. Chicken coops must be maintained in sanitary condition and set back appropriately from property lines and neighboring homes, generally following Montgomery County setback guidelines. Coops must provide adequate shelter, ventilation, and predator protection. Chickens must be kept in enclosed runs or supervised when free-ranging -- they cannot roam onto neighboring properties or public areas. Feed must be stored in rodent-proof containers. The city's animal control provisions (Chapter 15.04) apply to chicken keeping, including requirements to prevent nuisance conditions. Slaughter of chickens is not permitted on residential property within city limits. Other livestock such as goats, sheep, pigs, and cattle are generally not permitted in Takoma Park's residential zones, which are zoned R-60 or similar urban residential classifications under Montgomery County zoning. Takoma Park's community gardens and urban farming initiatives complement the chicken-keeping allowance.