6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 4 cities in Jefferson County, Alabama.
Verified from official government sources
Birmingham allows backyard hens under §3-1-52 with restrictions; roosters prohibited citywide. Jefferson County suburbs vary: Hoover and Vestavia Hills restrict to agricultural zones, Mountain Brook effectively prohibits in residential. Coop setbacks 25 to 40 ft common. Alabama's agricultural heritage supports livestock on larger lots outside city limits.
Jefferson County Animal Services handles animal control in unincorporated areas. Dogs should be confined or leashed per county regulations and Alabama state law (Ala. Code §3-1-5). Contact Jefferson County Animal Services at (205) 978-0113 for complaints.
Unincorporated Jefferson County does not have breed-specific legislation. Alabama has no statewide breed ban preemption. State dangerous dog law (Ala. Code §3-6A-1 et seq.) applies based on behavior, not breed. Some incorporated cities within the county do have BSL.
Unincorporated Jefferson County does not have a specific beekeeping ordinance. Alabama law (Ala. Code §2-14-1 et seq.) governs apiary registration through the Department of Agriculture. Rural areas of the county are generally suitable for beekeeping.
Alabama law (Ala. Code §9-11-320 et seq.) governs possession of wildlife species. Permits from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources may be required for exotic animals. Jefferson County Animal Services handles animal complaints.
Alabama prohibits feeding bears year-round under state regulation (ADCNR). Deer feeding restricted during certain seasons. Jefferson County follows state wildlife rules; no additional local feeding ordinance exists.
4 cities in Jefferson County have their own animal ordinances rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Jefferson County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Jefferson County Ordinance Hub →