Animal Ordinances in Roswell, GA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Roswell or are thinking about moving there, animal ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Roswell has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of animal ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Beekeeping

Georgia state law (O.C.G.A. §2-14-40 et seq.) prohibits cities from banning honeybee hives outright. Roswell may impose zoning-based setback and minimum-lot-size standards but does not ban hives. Hive owners should follow standard beekeeper-best-practice setbacks of 10+ feet from property lines and screened flight paths.

Key details: State Preemption: O.C.G.A. §2-14-40. City Ban: Not allowed. Recommended Setback: 10 ft from property line. Density Guidance: ~2 colonies / 10,000 sq ft. State Registration: Ga. Dept of Agriculture Apiary Program.

A swarming or aggressive hive that creates a nuisance is enforceable under §8.8.3 with civil penalties. Failure to register with the state apiary program is a state-level violation. Roswell cannot, under Georgia state preemption, ban hives outright.

The rules around beekeeping in Roswell lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Dog Leash Laws

Roswell prohibits unattended tethering of dogs - single-point, fixed tether, or trolley systems all qualify. Attended tethering is allowed only with a harness or buckle collar (no chains) and only if the dog is in the owner's direct sight, with the tether weighing no more than 10% of the dog's body weight.

Key details: Code Article: Roswell Code Art. 8.1. Unattended Tethering: Prohibited. Tether Equipment: Harness or buckle collar; no chains. Tether Weight Cap: 10% of dog's body weight. Animal Control: Fulton County (404-613-0358).

Tethering and at-large violations under Art. 8.1 carry civil penalties prosecuted by Roswell Municipal Court or Fulton County Animal Services. Repeat or aggravated offenses can escalate to Municipal Court misdemeanors with fines up to $1,000 and/or six months in jail under Roswell's general penalty clause.

Chickens & Livestock

Roswell allows up to six (6) hens on a residential lot but expressly prohibits roosters. Poultry must be in a fenced area in the rear or side yard, the coop must be at least 25 feet from any abutting residential structure, and a zoning permit is required.

Key details: Max Hens: 6. Roosters: Prohibited. Setback: 25 ft from abutting residence. Location: Rear or side yard, fenced. Permit: Zoning permit + fee required.

Keeping a rooster or exceeding six hens is a UDC violation citable through Code Enforcement with fines up to $1,000 per day. Repeat violations can trigger removal of the birds.

Wildlife Feeding

Roswell does not have an ordinance specifically prohibiting wildlife feeding (deer, raccoons, etc.), but Georgia state law (O.C.G.A. §27-3-15) and DNR regulations restrict baiting/feeding of deer, and any feeding that creates a §8.8.3 nuisance can be enforced locally.

Key details: Roswell-Specific Rule: None. Deer Feeding: Restricted by O.C.G.A. §27-3-15. Bird Feeders: Allowed. Nuisance Lever: §8.8.3.

State deer-feeding violations are Class 1 misdemeanors under O.C.G.A. §27-3-15 with fines up to $1,000 and/or 12 months in jail. Local §8.8.3 nuisance violations carry similar Municipal Court penalties.

Exotic Pets

Roswell prohibits keeping inherently dangerous wild animals as pets - big cats, primates, venomous snakes, large constrictors, alligators, etc. Georgia state law (O.C.G.A. §27-5-4) also requires permits for wild animals kept for any purpose.

Key details: Code Article: Roswell Code Art. 8.1. State Authority: O.C.G.A. §27-5-4. Big Cats: Prohibited. Venomous Snakes: Prohibited (native species). Animal Control: Fulton County (404-613-0358).

Keeping a prohibited wild animal can be charged as a misdemeanor under both state and city law, with fines up to $1,000 and/or six months in jail. Animal Control can seize the animal at the owner's expense for transport to a licensed wildlife facility.

Compared to other cities, Roswell takes a harder line on exotic pets. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Roswell's animal ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Roswell is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Roswell's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.