| Are chickens allowed in Cleveland? | Yes |
| How many chickens can you have? | 1 per 800 square feet of land |
| Can you have roosters in Cleveland? | No |
| Chicken coop placement rules: | Coops at least 5 feet from the side yard line and 18 inches from the rear yard line. |
| Application process: | Permit required |
| More information: | City of Cleveland Zoning Code |
If you’re interested in raising chickens in Cleveland, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific guidelines and requirements in place.
- Cleveland city allows residents to keep chickens in residential districts.
- Number of chickens: You can keep chickens in residential areas, but there is a limit based on the size of your lot. For every 800 square feet of land, you can keep one chicken. Therefore, on a standard 4,800 square feet lot, you can have up to six chickens.
- Location of coops or cages: Chicken coops or cages should not be placed in the front or side street yard areas. They must be positioned at least 5 feet from the side yard line and at least 18 inches from the rear yard line.
- Roosters: Roosters, geese, and turkeys are not allowed in Residential Districts except on parcels of land that are at least one acre in size. Even in those cases, the coop or cage housing these birds must be 100 feet away from all property lines.
- Running at large: Keeping your chickens and other animals from roaming freely is important. They must not be allowed to run at large on public places, unenclosed lands, or the premises of others.
- Coop or cage requirements:
- The structure should be well-ventilated, easily accessible for cleaning, and spacious enough to allow free movement.
- The total area of all coops or cages on your lot should be at most 32 square feet for up to six animals.
- The height of the coop or cage, alone or in combination with others, should not exceed 15 feet.
It is vital to stay informed about any changes in the rules concerning backyard chickens in Cleveland by contacting the local authorities.
Start Raising Chickens
See other Ohio chicken ordinances.
Last updated: 4/24/24