| Are chickens allowed in Columbia? | Yes |
| How many chickens can you have? | 6 |
| Can you have roosters in Columbia? | No |
| Chicken coop placement rules: | Coops in the backyard, at least 25 feet from neighboring homes, and 10 feet from all lot lines. |
| Application process: | Permit may be required (contact city) |
| More information: | Columbia City Code |
If you have an interest in starting a chicken coop in Columbia, it’s important to learn about the rules that apply to this endeavor.
- The City of Columbia allows residents to keep up to six (6) hens per tract of land, regardless of how many dwelling units are on the tract.
- Roosters are not allowed. There is no restriction on chicken breed.
- Chickens must be kept in an enclosure or fenced area at all times.
- Enclosures must be kept in a clean, dry, odor-free, neat, and sanitary condition at all times.
- Henhouses, chicken tractors, and chicken pens must provide adequate ventilation, sun, and shade. They should also be impermeable to rodents, wild birds, and predators, including dogs and cats.
- A henhouse or chicken tractor shall be enclosed on all sides, and have a roof, and doors. The materials used in making them shall be uniform for each element of the structure.
- Henhouses, chicken tractors, and chicken pens shall only be located to the rear of the dwelling, at least ten (10) feet from the property line, and at least twenty-five (25) feet from any adjacent neighboring building.
- Chickens shall be provided with access to feed and clean water at all times, which should be made unavailable to rodents, wild birds, and predators.
- It is unlawful to engage in chicken breeding or fertilizer production for commercial purposes.
Columbia’s rules regarding backyard chickens might change as time goes by, so it’s crucial to get in touch with city officials to stay updated.
Start Raising Chickens
See other Missouri chicken ordinances.
Last updated: 4/26/24