7 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 4 cities in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
Unincorporated Mecklenburg County allows backyard chickens on residential lots of 20,000 square feet or more. Up to 10 hens are permitted. Roosters are prohibited on lots under 2 acres. Coops must be 25 feet from property lines and 50 feet from neighboring dwellings.
Mecklenburg County requires dogs to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet whenever off the owner's property under the County Animal Care and Control Ordinance. Violations carry significant fines and are enforced countywide including unincorporated areas.
Mecklenburg County does not impose breed-specific legislation but enforces a Dangerous Dog classification under NCGS 67-4.1 through 67-4.5. Dogs declared dangerous require muzzling in public, secure enclosures, and 100,000 dollar liability insurance.
Beekeeping is permitted in unincorporated Mecklenburg County on lots of 10,000 square feet or more. Hives must be set back at least 10 feet from property lines and screened with a 6-foot flyway barrier. Registration with the NC Department of Agriculture is required.
Mecklenburg County prohibits possession of inherently dangerous exotic animals including big cats, non-human primates, venomous reptiles, and bears under County Ordinance Section 3-102. Violations can result in seizure and Class 3 misdemeanor charges.
Intentional feeding of deer, coyotes, foxes, and raccoons in unincorporated Mecklenburg County is discouraged and may be cited as a public nuisance. Bird feeding is allowed but must not attract bears or large mammals. NC Wildlife Resources Commission rules (15A NCAC 10B) apply statewide.
Unincorporated Mecklenburg County limits households to a combined total of 5 dogs and cats over 4 months old without a kennel permit. Kennel licenses require a 500 dollar annual fee and zoning review for lots under 1 acre.
4 cities in Mecklenburg County have their own animal ordinances rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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Mecklenburg County Ordinance Hub →