Know Your City's Chicken Rules
Before You Buy That First Hen

Plain-language guides to backyard chicken ordinances, permit requirements, HOA rights, and coop setback rules — for every state and 50+ major cities.

50 States 50+ Cities HOA Rights Free Checklist PDF Ordinance Finder Tool
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Free Download: "Before You Buy Your First Hen" Checklist

A one-page checklist covering everything to verify before you bring chickens home — ordinance, permit, HOA, coop placement, and neighbor rules.

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How to Find Your Rules

🔍 Use the Ordinance Finder Select your state and city to get a plain-language summary of your local hen limits, permit status, and coop rules. Try the tool → 🗺️ Browse by State Each state page summarizes statewide rules (if any), lists major cities, and links to relevant local ordinances. All 50 states → 🏙️ Find Your City Deep-dive pages for 50+ major cities — exact hen limits, permit fees, coop setback requirements, and HOA notes. Browse cities → 📜 Understand Your HOA Rights Can your HOA ban chickens? The answer depends on your state. Find out what the law says where you live. HOA rights guide →

Recently Updated

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⚖️ Missouri's 2025 Chicken Law Ruled Unconstitutional A 2024 law protecting backyard flock owners from HOA bans was struck down in October 2025. Here's what it means for Missouri residents. Read update → 🌴 Florida HB 1203: HOAs Can No Longer Ban Chickens Florida's 2024 law closed a major HOA loophole. If your coop is in the backyard and not visible from the street, your HOA cannot stop you. Read the law → 📝 How to Apply for a Backyard Chicken Permit Step-by-step walkthrough of the permit application process — what to bring, what inspectors look for, and what to do if you're denied. Read guide → 📐 Coop Setback Rules Explained Most cities require your coop to be a set distance from property lines and neighboring homes. Here's how setbacks work and how to measure yours. Read guide →

Free Tools & Calculators

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📐 Coop Setback Calculator Enter your lot dimensions and setback rules — see if your lot has compliant space. Includes a visual lot diagram. Open calculator → 💰 Flock Cost Calculator Calculate real startup and annual costs. See your break-even timeline vs. buying eggs at current prices. Open calculator → 📋 Permit Application Worksheet Printable prep worksheet — lot dimensions, site plan space, document checklist, and neighbor notification log. Print worksheet → ✉️ HOA Dispute Letter Template (FL) Florida residents: fill-in-the-blank letter responding to HOA violation notices. Cites HB 1203 directly. Get template →

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Popular City Guides

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Informational Only. HenRules provides plain-language summaries of publicly available municipal ordinances and state laws for general reference. Laws change frequently — always verify current rules directly with your city's planning or animal control department before acquiring chickens. Nothing on this site constitutes legal advice.