Chickens & Livestock: Apex vs Cary
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Apex, NC and Cary, NC?
Cary has fewer restrictions than Apex.
Apex, NC
Wake County
Section 4-3 of the Apex Code of Ordinances (Chapter 4 - Animals), adopted effective June 1, 2007, prohibits the keeping of livestock and male chickens within the corporate limits of the Town. Livestock includes, but is not limited to, cows, goats, sheep, swine and other similar animals. Exempt from this prohibition are horses, ponies, rabbits, fowl (except for male chickens), and miniature pigs that are neutered and no more than 20 inches in height at the shoulders when full grown. Backyard hens are therefore allowed by-right in Apex residential zones; roosters are not. The Town has no numeric hen cap in the Code itself, but coops are subject to general nuisance/sanitation rules and Unified Development Ordinance accessory-structure setbacks.
View full Apex rules →Cary, NC
Wake County
Wake County does NOT regulate keeping of farm animals in the unincorporated areas — even in subdivisions. Each Wake municipality has its own rules: Raleigh allows 10 hens (no roosters), Cary allows 4 hens (no roosters), Apex allows 6 hens. Roosters generally prohibited in cities.
View full Cary rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Apex | Cary |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Code | Apex Town Code Ch. 4 (Animals), Sec. 4-3 - effective June 1, 2007 | - |
| Livestock | PROHIBITED in town limits (cattle, goats, sheep, swine) | - |
| Roosters (Male Chickens) | PROHIBITED | - |
| Hens | Allowed (no numeric cap in Code; UDO setbacks apply) | - |
| Other Fowl | Allowed (ducks, geese, turkeys, guineas) - subject to nuisance rules | - |
| Horses & Ponies | Exempt - allowed subject to zoning/acreage | - |
| Miniature Pigs | Allowed only if neutered AND <=20" at shoulder full grown | - |
| Field Enforcement | Wake County Animal Services (919-212-7387) | - |
| Unincorporated rule | - | None |
| Raleigh hens | - | 10 max, no roosters |
| Cary hens | - | 4 max, no roosters |
| Roosters | - | Banned in cities |
| Setback | - | 10-25 ft typical |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Apex FAQ
Can I keep backyard chickens in Apex, NC?
Yes, but hens only. Section 4-3 of the Apex Town Code (Chapter 4 - Animals) prohibits male chickens (roosters) but permits female chickens and other fowl (ducks, geese, turkeys, guineas) inside the town limits. The Code does not set a specific numeric hen cap, but coops are subject to the Unified Development Ordinance setbacks for accessory structures in your zoning district, and must not create a sanitation or odor nuisance. HOA covenants in many Apex subdivisions further restrict or prohibit chicken keeping regardless of the Code.
Can I keep a goat, cow, sheep, or pig in Apex?
Generally no inside the town limits. Section 4-3 of the Apex Town Code expressly prohibits cattle, goats, sheep, swine, and similar livestock within the corporate limits of the Town. The only swine-family exception is a miniature pig that is neutered AND no more than 20 inches in height at the shoulders when full grown, kept inside the dwelling or in a secure fenced area. Horses and ponies are also exempt from the livestock ban but in practice require sufficient acreage that is rarely available on standard Apex residential lots.
Who enforces the Apex animal ordinance?
Wake County Animal Services enforces Chapter 4 of the Apex Town Code in the field, under an intergovernmental services arrangement. Call 919-212-7387 for non-emergency animal services or 919-856-6911 (Wake County Sheriff dispatch) to report a stray animal, bite, or active welfare issue. Impounded animals are held at the Wake County Animal Center, 820 Beacon Lake Drive, Raleigh. The Apex Planning Department handles UDO setback enforcement for coops and accessory structures.
Cary FAQ
Can I keep chickens in my Wake County subdivision?
In unincorporated Wake: yes, even in subdivisions. The county does not regulate poultry. Check your HOA covenants — many prohibit.
Can I keep a rooster?
In unincorporated Wake: yes. Inside Raleigh, Cary, Apex, and most Wake cities: no — only hens are allowed.
Do I need a permit in Raleigh?
Yes — Raleigh's backyard hen permit under §12-3055 is required, with annual renewal and inspection.
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