| Are chickens allowed in Chattanooga? | Yes (on lots of at least 5 acres or agricultural land) |
| How many chickens can you have? | Not limit specified (check with city) |
| Can you have roosters in Chattanooga? | Maybe (nuisance rules apply; check with city) |
| Chicken coop placement rules: | 150 feet from any residential structure |
| Application process: | A permit may be required |
| More information: | Chattanooga City Code |
Satisfy your chicken-raising aspirations in Chattanooga by learning exactly what the city requires of backyard chicken keepers below:
- Number of Chickens: A limit is not specified for residential lots of at least 5 acres or agriculturally zoned land. All other lots are not allowed to house chickens.
- Roosters: Roosters are likely not allowed within the city’s limits due to nuisance rules; contact the city to check.
- Shelter: Chickens must be provided adequate shelter to protect them from the elements and must be contained in a secure fenced enclosure at all times to contain said fowl within the enclosure area securely.
- Distance from Property Lines: No pasture area shall be closer than one hundred fifty (150′) feet from any residential structure, excluding the shared property line where the adjacent property already maintains livestock.
- Enclosure Requirements: Such animals must always be confined in a secure enclosure that is not less than eighteen (18″) inches tall.
- The enclosure must be well-ventilated and well-drained so there is no accumulation of odor or moisture.
- The enclosure shall have a minimum of ten (10′) square feet of floor area for each fowl.
Stay in the loop with Chattanooga’s changing backyard chicken regulations by contacting city officials.
Start Raising Chickens
See other Tennessee chicken ordinances.
Last updated: 4/24/24