| Are chickens allowed in Ellicott City? | Yes |
| How many chickens can you have? | 8 |
| Can you have roosters in Ellicott City? | No |
| Chicken coop placement rules: | Coops at least 50 feet from neighbors’ homes and 15 feet from property lines. |
| Application process: | No permit required |
| More information: | Howard County Municipal code |
It’s crucial to be aware of the laws and rules that you must follow if you want to raise chickens in Ellicott.
- The number of chickens: A maximum of eight hens is permitted.
- Roosters: They are strictly prohibited.
- Lot size: The lot size must be 10,000 square feet or larger.
- Henhouse/chicken coop:
- The shelter should be at least 15 feet from all lot lines and 50 feet from a neighboring dwelling.
- The hen house must not create a nuisance and should allow adequate air circulation to prevent odors.
- Any chicken coop that has not been actively used for a year must be dismantled and removed from the property.
- Litter management: Owners must practice proper litter management within the shelter to prevent odours from being detectable on adjoining properties.
The rules about keeping backyard chickens in cities can change as time passes, so it’s crucial to get in touch with Ellicott City officials to know the current details.
Start Raising Chickens
See other Maryland chicken ordinances.
Last updated: 4/26/24