Animal Ordinances in Roswell, GA (2026)
5 verified animal ordinances for Roswell, Georgia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Roswell Backyard Chickens and Poultry
Some RestrictionsDog 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.
Roswell Dog Leash and Tethering Rules
Some RestrictionsBeekeeping
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.
Roswell Beekeeping Rules
Few RestrictionsExotic 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.
Roswell Exotic and Wild Animal Rules
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife 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.
Roswell Wildlife Feeding Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Fulton County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Roswell city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Fulton County →