Animal Ordinances in Durham, NC (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Durham, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Durham allows up to 10 female chickens per lot with a Limited Agriculture Permit under UDO Sec. 5.4.12. Roosters are prohibited. Coops must sit 15 feet from property lines.
Durham Backyard Chicken Ordinance
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Durham County Code Sec. 4-86 requires dogs to be leashed off the owner's property. A tethering ordinance requires at least a 10-foot tether with swivels and prohibits unsupervised tethering.
Durham Dog Leash Law and Tethering Ordinance
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Durham has no breed-specific legislation. No dog breeds are banned. Dangerous dog designations follow North Carolina state law (N.C.G.S. 67-4.1) based on behavior, not breed.
Durham Dog Breed Restrictions and Dangerous Dog Laws
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
Beekeeping is permitted in Durham with no city registration. NC state law (N.C.G.S. 106-645) prohibits cities from banning ownership of 5 or fewer hives, making Durham bee-friendly.
Durham Beekeeping Regulations
Few RestrictionsExotic Pets
Durham regulates exotic animals under City Code Ch. 6 and NC state wildlife rules. The NC Wildlife Resources Commission requires restricted species permits for venomous reptiles and native wildlife.
Durham Exotic Pet and Wild Animal Regulations
Some RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Durham has no specific ordinance banning wildlife feeding. Wildlife falls under NC Wildlife Resources Commission jurisdiction. Nuisance feeding may be addressed through general city nuisance provisions.
Durham Wildlife Feeding Regulations
Few RestrictionsLivestock
Durham restricts livestock in residential zones under the UDO. Only domestic chickens (up to 10 hens) are permitted on single-family lots with a permit. Goats, pigs, and cattle are prohibited.