| Are chickens allowed in Cary? | Yes |
| How many chickens can you have? | Limit depends on zoning (see below) |
| Can you have roosters in Cary? | No |
| Chicken coop placement rules: | Coop in backyard at least 15 feet from lot lines. |
| Application process: | Permit required in some zones. |
| More information: | Cary Backyard Chickens FAQ |
Raising chickens in Cary, North Carolina? Here are the rules and regulations you need to know.
- Minimum lot size. Your lot should be at least 6,000 square feet to keep chickens.
- Chicken coop and pen. Chickens need a coop and a pen. Each chicken needs 4 square feet in the coop and 10 square feet in the pen. The coop and pen must be in your backyard, not less than 15 feet from your property lines, and closer to your home than your neighbors’. Keep them clean.
- Chickens. Cary permits only hens. Sorry, roosters are not allowed.
- Number of chickens. The number of hens you can have depends on your property’s zoning district. In certain areas, you can keep chickens without needing a permit. In others, you can keep up to five hens with a permit.
- Permit. If your zoning district requires it, you will need a $50 permit to keep chickens.
- Chicken care. Chickens should have constant access to food, clean water, and bedding. Keep your chickens safe in their coop during non-daylight hours.
- Waste management. Keep your backyard clean. Bag up chicken waste and dispose of it with your household garbage or compost it on-site.
- What you can and can’t do. Everything chicken-related, from eggs to adult chickens, is only for personal use. You can’t sell or distribute any part of it, including chicken waste or compost. No on-site chicken slaughtering allowed.
- Homeowners Association (HOA) Rules. If your HOA has rules against chickens or stricter rules than Cary, you must follow your HOA rules.
- Permit application. To apply for a permit, check the Town of Cary website and follow the permit application process.
Always stay updated. Rules change. Stay in touch with Cary officials or check the town website for any changes.
Start Raising Chickens
See other North Carolina chicken ordinances.
Last updated: 4/25/24