| Are chickens allowed in South Bend? | Yes |
| How many chickens can you have? | 6 |
| Can you have roosters in South Bend? | No |
| Chicken coop placement rules: | Coops 20 feet from other dwellings and 15 feet from lot lines. |
| Application process: | Permit required |
| More information: | South Bend Animal Resource Center |
South Bend is relatively friendly to backyard chicken keeping.
Below you’ll find more information on raising backyard chickens in South Bend.
- Chickens permitted. In South Bend, Indiana, residents are allowed to keep up to six (6) chickens in their backyard.
- Prohibition of roosters. To minimize noise disturbances, roosters are not allowed within city limits.
- Permit acquisition. Residents are required to obtain a permit for keeping backyard chickens, which involves submitting an application and paying any associated fees.
- Coop and run criteria. Chicken coops must be well-ventilated, predator-resistant, and designed for easy maintenance. Each chicken should have a minimum of 3 square feet of space in the coop and at least 10 square feet of space in the run.
- Placement of coops and setbacks. Chicken coops must be situated at least 20 feet away from any neighboring residential dwelling and a minimum of 15 feet away from property lines.
- Upkeep and sanitation. Maintaining clean and sanitary conditions in chicken coops and runs is essential, with regular cleaning and proper waste disposal required.
- Slaughter restrictions. Slaughtering chickens is not permitted on residential properties within the city limits.
- Homeowners’ Association (HOA) rules. Residents should consult their HOA to determine if backyard chickens are allowed under their community’s specific guidelines. In some cases, HOA regulations may take precedence over city rules.
To get the most trustworthy information on keeping backyard chickens in South Bend, it is best to seek advice from the relevant local authorities.
Start Raising Chickens
See other Indiana chicken ordinances.
Last updated: 4/26/24