Carmel Chicken Laws

Are chickens allowed in Carmel?	Yes
How many chickens can you have?	6
Can you have roosters in Carmel?	No
Chicken coop placement rules:	Coops 10 feet from all property lines and 30 feet from neighbors’ homes.
Application process:	Permit required
More information:	Carmel Code Enforcement

If you live in Carmel, your dream of raising backyard chickens can become a reality.

Discover more about raising backyard chickens in Carmel by reading below.

• Chicken allowance. In Carmel, Indiana, residents are permitted to keep up to six (6) chickens in their backyard.
• Rooster exclusion. To prevent noise disturbances, roosters are not allowed within city limits.
• Acquiring a permit. A permit is required for residents wishing to keep backyard chickens. The process includes submitting an application and paying any relevant fees.
• Guidelines for coops and runs. Chicken coops must be well-ventilated, secure against predators, and designed for ease of cleaning. Each chicken should have at least 3 square feet of space in the coop and a minimum of 10 square feet of space in the run.
• Coop placement and setback requirements. Chicken coops need to be situated a minimum of 30 feet away from any neighboring residential dwelling and at least 10 feet away from property lines.
• Sanitation and maintenance. Keeping chicken coops and runs clean and sanitary is important, with proper waste disposal and regular cleaning required.
• Restrictions on slaughtering. Slaughtering chickens is not allowed on residential properties within the city limits.
• Homeowners’ Association (HOA) regulations. Residents are advised to consult their HOA to confirm if backyard chickens are permitted under their specific community rules. In some cases, HOA guidelines may override city rules.

Seeking guidance from the relevant local authorities is the best way to ensure that you have the most recent and reliable information on keeping backyard chickens in Carmel.

See other Indiana chicken ordinances.

Last updated: 4/26/24