Animal Ordinances in Jefferson County, AL (2026)
2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Jefferson County, Alabama.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Unincorporated Jefferson County allows backyard hens but bans roosters outright. Zoning Resolution Section 1209 caps flock size by lot area, requires a predator-proof coop set back 35 feet from property lines and 50 feet from a neighbor's house, and treats keeping roosters at a single-family home as strictly prohibited.
Jefferson County Backyard Hen-Keeping Rules
Some RestrictionsJefferson County Zoning Resolution § 1209
The keeping of hens is allowed as an accessory use to single family detached residences in residential zoning classifications. However, the keeping of roosters as an accessory use to single family detached residences in residential zoning classifications is strictly prohibited. The number of hens allowed is restricted as follows: a. A maximum of two (2) hens can be kept on residential propertie...
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
In unincorporated Jefferson County, veterinary establishments may operate in a C-1 Commercial District, but only as an enclosed clinic. The Zoning Resolution's Section 903 permits veterinary establishments "without outside runs" and separately bans "outside animal runs" tied to any kennel or veterinary use, forcing every exam and boarding kennel indoors.
Jefferson County Veterinary Zoning Rules
Some RestrictionsJefferson County, AL Zoning Resolution § 903 (C-1 Commercial District, Use Regulations and Use Restrictions)
Use Regulations. Within a C-1 Commercial District, a building or land shall be used only for the following purposes: ... ii. Veterinary establishments (without outside runs)... Use Restrictions. In conjunction with the uses permitted in this Section, the following uses or operational elements will not be permitted within a C-1 Commercial District: a. Outside storage... b. Outside animal runs, s...
Animal Ordinances by City in Jefferson County
3 cities in Jefferson County have their own animal ordinances rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Jefferson County ordinances
See every category we cover for Jefferson County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Jefferson County Ordinance Hub →