| Are chickens allowed in Olathe? | Yes |
| How many chickens can you have? | 4 |
| Can you have roosters in Olathe? | No |
| Chicken coop placement rules: | Coops 6 feet from lot lines and 30 feet from other homes. |
| Application process: | Permit required |
| More information: | Olathe City Council |
Since 2020, Olathe has allowed a few hens on residential properties, if you’re willing to pay hefty permit fees.
See below for additional information on raising backyard chickens in Olathe.
- Chickens permitted. Olathe, Kansas, allows residents to keep a maximum of four (4) backyard chickens.
- Rooster ban. In order to prevent noise disturbances, roosters are prohibited within city limits.
- Permit application. Residents are required to obtain a permit for keeping backyard chickens, which involves submitting an application and paying necessary fees, for properties that are smaller than 3 acres.
- Coop and run standards. Chicken coops must be designed to 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 12 square feet of space in the run.
- Coop location and setbacks. Chicken coops must be placed at least 30 feet away from any neighboring residential dwelling and a minimum of 6 feet away from property lines.
- Maintenance and sanitation. Proper waste disposal and regular cleaning are necessary to maintain clean and sanitary conditions in chicken coops and runs.
- Slaughter restrictions. Slaughtering chickens on residential properties is not permitted within the city limits.
- Homeowners’ Association (HOA) guidelines. Residents should consult their HOA to determine if backyard chickens are allowed under their community’s specific rules. HOA regulations may take precedence over city rules in some cases.
It’s recommended to check with city authorities for the most up-to-date information on raising backyard chickens in Olathe.
Start Raising Chickens
See other Kansas chicken ordinances.
Last updated: 4/26/24