Animal Ordinances in Alpharetta, GA (2026)
4 verified animal ordinances for Alpharetta, Georgia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Backyard chickens are allowed in the City of Alpharetta only on single-family lots of at least 1 acre, capped at 6 birds with no roosters, under Unified Development Code Section 2.3.3.C.9. Coops and runs need a 25-foot side and rear setback and cannot exceed 9 feet in height, and chickens cannot be kept in a floodplain, wetland or undisturbed water buffer.
Alpharetta Backyard Chicken Rules
Some RestrictionsAlpharetta Unified Development Code § 2.3.3.C.9
9.Backyard chickens on minimum 1-acre properties with a single-family detached dwelling, limited to no more than 6 chickens and no roosters allowed. Associated structures (chicken coop, run, etc.) shall maintain a minimum 25' setback from the rear and side property lines. Chicken coop and run shall not exceed 9' in height. No chickens shall be permitted within any undisturbed water buffers, wet...
Dog Leash Laws
Alpharetta has no freestanding leash statute of its own: Code of Ordinances Section 6-1 adopts Fulton County's rabies and animal control regulations by reference, making them fully enforceable within city limits, including at-large and restraint standards. Section 6-2 substitutes the city's own penalty for violations.
Alpharetta Adopts Fulton County Animal Control Rules
Some RestrictionsAlpharetta Code of Ordinances §§ 6-1, 6-2
The county regulations, as amended, pertaining to rabies and animal control are hereby adopted and incorporated herein by reference, and the same shall be fully enforceable within the city. A copy of such rabies and animal control regulations is on file in the office of the city clerk. ... "(G) Penalties. Any person who violates any provision of this rabies control ordinance shall be deemed to ...
Pet Groomer Rules
Pet grooming is a by-right business use in Alpharetta's C-1 neighborhood commercial district, requiring no conditional-use hearing or special permit under the Unified Development Code. The same by-right status carries over to the C-2 general commercial district, so a groomer can open in either zone with a standard building permit and business registration.
Alpharetta Allows Pet Grooming By Right in C-1
Few RestrictionsAlpharetta Unified Development Code § 2.2.14
A.Permitted Principal Uses. A property in the C-1 district may be used for those uses listed in Table 2.2, including any of the following by right, unless superseded by applicable conditions of approval for rezoning, variance, or conditional use:1.Residential Uses.a.Dwelling, 'For-Sale'—in an existing or historic structure only.b.Bed and Breakfast.2.Business Uses.a.Art Gallery.b.Bakery.c.Bank, ...
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
Opening a veterinary clinic on Alpharetta's AG-zoned agricultural land requires City Council approval as a conditional use, not a by-right permit, under Section 2.2.1 of the Unified Development Code. The same discretionary review applies to small-animal veterinary clinics proposed in the O-I office-institutional and CUP community-unit-plan districts.
Alpharetta Requires Council OK for Vet Clinics
Significant RestrictionsAlpharetta Unified Development Code § 2.2.1
C.Conditional Uses. A property in the AG district may be used for any of the following only upon approval as a conditional use by the City Council:1.Residential and Agricultural Uses.a.Additional 'For-Sale' detached dwelling.b.Greenhouse, Nursery.2.Business Uses.a.Animal Hospital, Veterinarian.
Looking for Fulton County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Alpharetta city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Fulton County →