| Are chickens allowed in Sumter? | Yes |
| How many chickens can you have? | No limit specified (contact city officials) |
| Can you have roosters in Sumter? | Not specified (ask city) |
| Chicken coop placement rules: | Coops at least 30 feet from dwellings in the corporate limits of the city. |
| Application process: | Permit may be required |
| More information: | Sumter City Code |
Delve into the must-know rules and regulations for aspiring chicken farmers in Sumter to ensure a thriving poultry endeavor.
- Keeping Chickens for Personal Use Only: The city of Sumter allows residents to keep chickens for personal use only. (Please check with local authorities for more information regarding the number of allowed chickens.)
- No Roosters Allowed: It shall be unlawful for any person to keep or have in his possession any chickens or other domestic fowl that will, because of noise, tend to disturb the peace of nearby residents or occupants of places of business.
- Minimum Distance Requirement: It shall be unlawful for any person to construct and maintain any poultry yard or poultry house within a distance of 30 feet from any dwelling house in the corporate limits of the city.
- Restrictions on Free Roaming Chickens: It shall be unlawful for any owner or person having charge of any chickens or other fowl to permit them to run at large in any public place.
- Enclosure Size Requirements: It shall be unlawful for any person to confine fowl in coops or other enclosures less than 18 inches in height.
- Adequate Space and Conditions: Such coops or other enclosures shall not be so filled that fowl therein cannot move around freely within the enclosure.
- Provision of Food and Water: All coops or other enclosures used to confine fowl shall be provided with clean food and pure water at all times.
- Cleanliness and Ventilation: Coops or other enclosures used to confine fowl shall always be provided with clean litter and cross ventilation.
Be proactive in knowing Sumter’s changing backyard chicken rules. Contact city officials for up-to-date details.
Start Raising Chickens
See other South Carolina chicken ordinances.
Last updated: 4/24/24