Backyard Chickens in Raleigh, North Carolina

What the Raleigh Rules Say

Raleigh’s Unified Development Ordinance treats poultry as part of the Agriculture use category. In the community garden standards, the UDO says raising animals is not permitted in a Residential District.

Outside residential districts, community gardens may keep chickens only when the garden is in active use for crops. The rule allows one chicken per 1,000 square feet of lot area, up to 10 chickens on a lot, prohibits roosters, and requires coops or similar structures to be at least 25 feet from any property line.

What This Means in Plain English

For a typical residential backyard in Raleigh, chickens are not allowed under the reviewed UDO language. The 10-chicken rule applies to eligible community gardens outside residential districts, not ordinary home lots.

Getting Started

1. Confirm whether your property is in a Residential District.
2. If it is residential, do not assume backyard hens are allowed.
3. If you manage a community garden, verify zoning before adding chickens.
4. Keep roosters out of any permitted community garden setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have chickens in Raleigh, NC?

Not for a typical residential backyard under the reviewed UDO language.

Are chickens allowed anywhere in Raleigh?

Yes, in limited community garden situations outside Residential Districts, subject to the UDO standards.