North Carolina Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: N.C.G.S. Chapter 106
Farm zoning exemption: Counties cannot zone bona fide farms
Nuisance suit limit: One year from operation start
Municipal authority: Retained inside city limits

Full Breakdown

Under N.C.G.S. Chapter 106, Article 1, bona fide farms are exempt from county zoning and many local restrictions on livestock and poultry. The Right to Farm Act protects established agricultural operations from nuisance suits filed more than one year after the operation began. Municipalities retain authority over livestock kept on non-farm residential lots inside city limits, but cannot restrict qualifying farms. Residents must verify whether a parcel qualifies as a bona fide farm under state criteria before assuming exemptions apply.

Violations & Penalties

Local enforcement against qualifying farms may be invalid; nuisance suits against protected farms can be dismissed

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my county ban backyard chickens on a farm?

If the property qualifies as a bona fide farm under N.C.G.S. 153A-340, counties cannot use zoning to restrict livestock or poultry. Cities may still regulate inside municipal limits.

Does the Right to Farm Act override city ordinances?

No. Municipal ordinances inside city limits remain enforceable. The state preemption applies primarily to county zoning of qualifying farms.

How is a bona fide farm defined?

Generally requires a farm sales tax exemption, forest management plan, present-use valuation, or similar state-recognized agricultural designation under N.C.G.S. 153A-340(b)(2).

North Carolina Right to Farm Livestock Protections

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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