Wake County does NOT regulate keeping of farm animals in the unincorporated areas — even in subdivisions. Each Wake municipality has its own rules: Raleigh allows 10 hens (no roosters), Cary allows 4 hens (no roosters), Apex allows 6 hens. Roosters generally prohibited in cities.
In unincorporated Wake County, Wake County Planning explicitly does not regulate farm animals — meaning backyard chickens, roosters, goats, pigs, and even small livestock are allowed as-of-right regardless of neighborhood character (subject to HOA covenants). This is one of the most permissive rules in the Triangle. Inside Raleigh §12-3055, up to 10 hens are allowed with permit, no roosters; coop setback 25 ft from neighboring residence. Cary §10-3 allows 4 hens, no roosters, 10 ft from property line. Apex §16 allows 6 hens with permit. HOA rules often override and prohibit any poultry.
City violations: civil penalty $50-250 + removal order. Unincorporated: only nuisance or zoning if commercial-scale operation (then UDO Art. 4 home occupation/agriculture rules apply).
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Wake County, NC
Wake County Code §92.05(H), (I), and (L) target industrial and commercial noise: construction over 1,000 ft from residences, loading/unloading noise at night...
Wake County, NC
Wake County Code §92.05(B), (C), (F) prohibits vehicle exhaust noise from out-of-repair or modified vehicles, gong/siren on non-emergency vehicles, and any i...
Wake County, NC
Wake County adopted the NC Fire Prevention Code (NCFC) under Code Ch. 72. Residential propane storage follows NCFC Chapter 61 and NFPA 58 — typical residenti...
Wake County, NC
Wake County Code §130.05 (adopted 11-9-2022, effective 12-9-2022) prohibits firearm discharge within 300 yards of any dwelling, school, church, warehouse, pl...
Wake County, NC
Wake County does not regulate street vending in unincorporated areas (no significant pedestrian retail districts). Within Raleigh, sidewalk vending requires ...
Wake County, NC
Wake County does not require a county-wide film permit. Filming on county-owned property (parks, buildings, ROW) requires advance application through Wake Co...
See how Wake County's chickens & livestock rules stack up against other locations.
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