| Are chickens allowed in Columbia? | Yes |
| How many chickens can you have? | Up to 4 |
| Can you have roosters in Columbia? | No |
| Chicken coop placement rules: | Coops at least 25 feet of the property line and 50 feet from the nearest residence other than the owner’s. |
| Application process: | Permit required |
| More information: | Columbia City Code |
Are you keen on chicken farming in Columbia? Take the time to familiarize yourself with the applicable rules and regulations.
- Number of Hens: No more than four hens shall be kept or maintained on a single premise.
- Roosters: No roosters shall be allowed.
- Coop Requirements: Hens must be confined in a coop not less than 18 inches in height and with a minimum square footage of floor area of two square feet per hen over four months of age.
- Run Size Guidelines: A run of not less than nine square feet for one bird; 12 square feet for two birds; 16 square feet for three birds; or 20 square feet for four birds over four months of age.
- Run Fencing Requirements: Runs must be constructed of fencing material that prevents potential predators from getting in and prevents the hens from escaping.
- Screening Coops: Coops must be screened from the side or rear lot line by shrubbery or a privacy fence if they come within 25 feet of the property line and/or 50 feet of the nearest residence other than that of the owner.
- Permits and Inspection: No person shall keep chickens on their premises within the city without first obtaining:
- A zoning permit for an accessory structure from the planning and development services department; and
- A certificate of inspection from the animal control division, issued pursuant to this section, for which an annual inspection fee of $5.00 per bird shall be paid.
Ensure you have the most current details on backyard chickens in Columbia by contacting local officials, as rules may change.
Start Raising Chickens
See other South Carolina chicken ordinances
Last updated: 4/24/24