| Are chickens allowed in Lawrence? | Yes |
| How many chickens can you have? | 20 (depending on lot size) |
| Can you have roosters in Lawrence? | No |
| Chicken coop placement rules: | Coops 10 feet from other homes and 5 feet from lot lines. |
| Application process: | No permit required |
| More information: | Lawrence ordinance amendment |
If you’ve got a big enough lot, you can have a pretty sizable flock in Lawrence.
To find out more about raising backyard chickens in Lawrence, keep reading.
- Backyard chickens permitted. Lawrence, Kansas, allows residents to keep a maximum of 20 backyard chickens. But keep in mind that you must have at least 500 square feet of lot size per hen.
- Rooster restrictions. Roosters are prohibited within city limits to reduce noise disturbances.
- Permit not required. Residents do not need a permit to keep backyard chickens in Lawrence.
- Coop and run requirements. Chicken coops should be predator-resistant, well-ventilated, and easy to clean. 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 setbacks. Chicken coops must be located at least 10 feet away from any neighboring residential dwelling and a minimum of 5 feet away from property lines.
- Maintenance and cleanliness. Regular cleaning and proper waste disposal are necessary to maintain sanitary conditions in chicken coops and runs.
- Slaughter limitations. Slaughtering chickens on residential properties is not allowed within the city limits.
- Homeowners’ Association (HOA) considerations. Residents should consult their HOA to determine if backyard chickens are allowed under their community’s specific rules. HOA regulations may override city rules in some cases.
Seeking guidance from city authorities is the best way to get the most current information on raising backyard chickens in Lawrence.
Start Raising Chickens
See other Kansas chicken ordinances.
Last updated: 4/26/24