Backyard Chickens in Columbus, Georgia

What the Columbus Rules Say

Columbus allows fowl as an accessory use on lots of two acres or more, using a bird-unit system. For chickens, 32 chickens equal one bird unit, and only fowl six weeks or older are counted.

A newer provision allows up to six chickens on any size lot with a single-family residential zoning use, subject to the rest of Section 5-42. Structures for domestic fowl not connected with agriculture must be no closer than 50 feet to any lot line. The code also prohibits keeping fowl in a way that causes noise or odor detrimental to nearby property or residents, and it prohibits allowing fowl to run on public property or someone else’s private property.

What This Means in Plain English

For a normal single-family residential lot, Columbus now allows up to six chickens. The 50-foot lot-line setback for non-agricultural fowl structures can still be difficult on small lots, so measure before building.

Getting Started

1. Confirm the lot has single-family residential zoning use.
2. Keep no more than six chickens on a standard residential lot.
3. Measure 50 feet from lot lines for fowl structures.
4. Prevent birds from leaving your property.
5. Keep noise and odor from becoming a violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have chickens in Columbus, GA?

Yes. Columbus allows up to six chickens on single-family residential lots, subject to Section 5-42 requirements.

Are roosters allowed in Columbus, GA?

The reviewed section does not state a simple rooster ban, but noise rules make roosters risky in residential areas.