6 rules for unincorporated Forsyth County, Georgia.
Verified from official government sources
Forsyth County allows up to eight backyard chickens on lots of at least a half-acre under UDC 16-4.4, with roosters banned. Livestock in Res1 needs a conditional use permit, two acres, and one animal per acre (16-4.18).
Forsyth County, GA, Unified Development Code §§ 16-4.4, 16-4.18
(a) The minimum lot size for the keeping of backyard chickens shall be one-half acre. (b) No more than eight chickens are permitted on a lot. (c) Chicken coops, chicken houses and/or roosting structures shall not require a building permit... (g) Roosters and any other crowing fowl are prohibited.
Forsyth County requires every animal to be kept under control off the owner's property under Code section 14-31, and leashed in county parks. Rabies vaccination is mandatory for dogs and cats at three months (14-104).
Forsyth County, GA, Code of Ordinances § 14-31(a)
It shall be the duty of the owner of any animal or anyone having an animal in his possession to keep the animal under control at all times while the animal is off the real property limits of the owner, possessor or custodian. For the purposes of this section, an animal is deemed under control when it is confined within a vehicle; is secured by a leash, lead, electric collar, or other device hel...
Forsyth County has no breed-specific ban. Dangerous and vicious dogs are classified by behavior under Chapter 14, Article V, mirroring Georgia's Dangerous Dog Control Law (O.C.G.A. § 4-8-20). A vicious dog requires $50,000 liability insurance.
Forsyth County, GA, Code of Ordinances § 14-135(c)(4)
The owner maintains and can provide proof of general or specific liability insurance in the amount of at least $50,000.00 or the maximum amount authorized by state law issued by an insurer authorized to transact business in this state insuring the owner of the vicious dog against liability for any bodily injury or property damage caused by the vicious dog.
Forsyth County's code sets no hive limits or beekeeping setbacks—the activity is regulated at the state level by the Georgia Department of Agriculture under the Georgia Bee Law. Backyard beekeeping is common on the county's larger lots.
Forsyth County defers wild-animal matters to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources under Code section 14-45. Keeping exotic or wild animals requires a state Wild Animal License from GA DNR; many species are prohibited outright.
Forsyth County, GA, Code of Ordinances § 14-45
All complaints and matters, with the exception of an animal bite, concerning wild animals not of a domestic nature and complaints involving game animals or protected species and/or hunting shall be forwarded to the state department of natural resources, game and fish division or the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Law Enforcement Division for proper disposition, i.e.. compliance, apprehension, ...
Forsyth County has no ordinance prohibiting the feeding of deer, coyotes, or other wildlife. Under Code section 14-45, wild-animal matters are handled by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, not county animal services.
Forsyth County, GA, Code of Ordinances § 14-45
All complaints and matters, with the exception of an animal bite, concerning wild animals not of a domestic nature and complaints involving game animals or protected species and/or hunting shall be forwarded to the state department of natural resources, game and fish division or the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Law Enforcement Division for proper disposition, i.e.. compliance, apprehension, ...
See every category we cover for Forsyth County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Forsyth County Ordinance Hub →