Franklin, TN Animal Ordinances: Livestock (2026)

Franklin Municipal Code Title 10 (Animal Control) explicitly contemplates livestock - cattle (cows), swine, sheep, horses, mules, goats, chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, and other domestic fowl - and provides that it is unlawful for any owner to knowingly or negligently permit any of them to run at large in any street, alley, or unenclosed lot within the city's corporate limits (Ord. 2011-16, July 12, 2011). The Franklin Zoning Ordinance restricts where these animals may actually be kept: cattle, horses, sheep, goats, and swine are only permitted in the AG (Agricultural) zoning district, which is intended to provide for farming and agricultural uses, single-family residential on significant acreage, and open space to maintain the character of rural areas. The AG district contemplates commercial production of farm products and nursery stock and the related entertainment/educational activities; livestock keeping on standard urban or suburban residential lots is not authorized. Backyard hens are allowed in residential districts subject to the Animal Husbandry guidance issued by Building and Neighborhood Services, but roosters, ducks, geese, turkeys, and other crowing or larger fowl are functionally limited to AG-zoned lots or unincorporated Williamson County. Outside city limits, the Williamson County Zoning Ordinance (adopted May 14, 2012, as amended) is more permissive: agricultural use is generally allowed by-right except in the Grassland Village (GV), Leiper's Fork Village (LFV), and Triune Village (TV) overlay districts, which restrict intensive agricultural use to preserve the historic character of those village centers. HOA covenants and deed restrictions in many Franklin and Williamson County neighborhoods further restrict livestock keeping even where zoning would otherwise allow it. Animal Control field enforcement is performed by Williamson County Animal Control (615-790-5590).