Johnson City Chicken Laws

Are chickens allowed in Johnson City?Yes (in agricultural zones and with city approval elsewhere)
How many chickens can you have?No limit specified (check with city officials)
Can you have roosters in Johnson City?Not specified (check with officials)
Chicken coop placement rules:Approval needed to keep chickens closer than 1,000 feet to any business
Application process:A permit may be required
More information:Johnson City Municipal Code

Aspiring to be an urban chicken farmer in Johnson City? Learn the necessary guidelines for a thriving backyard poultry operation.

  • Permitted Location: Raising chickens is allowed in Johnson City, Tennessee, within the A-1 Agricultural District, and elsewhere with approval from city officials.
  • Number of Chickens: The number of chickens allowed is not specified. However, checking with your local area’s health officer for more details on permissible quantities is advisable.
  • Roosters Prohibited?: It’s unclear whether roosters are allowed in Johnson City, Tennessee. Check with city officials before buying a crowing rooster or any chicken.
  • Confinement in Pens: Chickens must be kept within pens. Before building one, please check with the local authorities for more information about their building guidelines.

Stay in the loop on Johnson City’s backyard chicken regulations; connect with officials for updates.

See other Tennessee chicken ordinances.

Last updated: 4/24/24