What HenRules Does
HenRules is a free informational resource dedicated to one specific problem: finding clear, accurate, plain-language information about backyard chicken rules in U.S. cities and counties is harder than it should be.
The information exists — it's in municipal codes, county ordinances, and state statutes — but it's scattered, inconsistently formatted, and often buried in PDFs that haven't been updated since 2009. When someone wants to know whether they can keep three hens in their Denver backyard, they shouldn't need to navigate a 400-page municipal code to find out.
HenRules collects that information, verifies it against original sources, and presents it in plain language — with explanations of what the rules mean practically, not just what they say literally.
What We Cover
Our guides cover the questions people actually search for when they're considering backyard chickens:
- Hen limits by city and state
- Permit requirements and the application process
- Coop setback distances and how to measure them
- HOA authority and which states limit it
- Rooster rules
- Recent law changes (like Florida's 2024 HB 1203 and Missouri's 2025 court ruling)
- How to fight an HOA chicken ban
- What to do when your neighbor complains
Our Editorial Approach
Every page on HenRules is written to answer a specific, real question that people are searching for. We don't pad content — a 650-word page that fully answers the question is better than a 1,500-word page that repeats itself.
We cite original sources (municipal code sections, statute citations, ordinance references) wherever possible. When we summarize a law, we try to convey what it means for a practical decision — not just restate the legal language.
We update guides when laws change. The municipal code landscape for backyard chickens is active — cities pass new ordinances, HOA law evolves, and court rulings shift the rules. We track those changes and update the relevant pages.
Important Limitations
HenRules is an informational resource, not a legal service. The information on this site reflects publicly available municipal ordinances and state statutes as of the dates noted on each page. Ordinances change frequently, sometimes without public notice. The information here may lag behind the most current rules.
Always verify current requirements directly with your city's planning department, animal control office, or municipal code before acquiring chickens or beginning construction. This is especially important if you're in a city not covered in our database, or if your city's rules may have changed recently.
Nothing on HenRules constitutes legal advice. For questions about HOA disputes, permit denials, or enforcement actions, consult a licensed attorney in your state.
Contact
Questions, corrections, or suggestions for cities we should add? Use our contact page. We read every message and update pages when corrections are warranted.