Rockville allows residents of single-family homes to keep up to five female chickens for personal use with a $25 permit, but roosters are prohibited. Larger livestock such as cattle, horses, pigs, goats, and sheep are generally not permitted in residential zoning districts under Rockville's Chapter 25 Zoning Ordinance.
Rockville's zoning ordinance permits limited backyard chicken keeping in single-family residential zones. Residents may keep up to five hens with a city-issued permit costing $25, payable by check or money order to the City of Rockville. Roosters are not allowed. Chickens are prohibited in townhouse developments and other multi-family residential zoning districts. In addition to the city permit, residents must complete the Maryland Poultry Registration Form and register their chickens with the State of Maryland. Coops must meet setback and maintenance requirements to prevent nuisance conditions. Larger livestock including cattle, horses, pigs, goats, and sheep are restricted to agricultural zoning districts and are generally prohibited in Rockville's residential neighborhoods. Montgomery County regulations also apply, and while the county itself does not ban chickens, it prohibits roosters. The city's Community Enhancement Code Enforcement division responds to complaints about unauthorized animals and coop maintenance issues.
Keeping chickens without a permit or exceeding the five-hen limit may result in code enforcement citations and fines. Keeping roosters or prohibited livestock in residential zones is a zoning violation subject to fines and mandatory removal of the animals. Failure to maintain coops in sanitary condition can trigger property maintenance violations.
See how other cities in Montgomery County handle livestock.
See how Rockville's livestock rules stack up against other locations.
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