Baltimore, MD Chicken Laws: Hens, Roosters, Permits and Coop Rules

Coop Ready Maryland Baltimore

Allowed with a permit

Yes, with a permit. Baltimore allows backyard hens, but you need a permit first.

You also need Maryland Poultry Premises Registration and any zoning and building approvals.

Hen limit

4 to 10, by lot size

Roosters

Banned (hens only)

Permit

Animal Control permit

Coop placement

15 ft from homes

Source linked These rules come from the source linked below. Confirm current details with the city.

Read the official Baltimore rules ↗ Checked October 2026.

Will your coop fit in Baltimore?

Draw your lot, your house and your neighbor's house on a satellite map, drop in a coop, and Coop Ready measures the distances and compares them with the Baltimore rules above. Free, no account.

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Backyard chicken questions in Baltimore

How many chickens can I have in Baltimore?

The hen limit in Baltimore: 4 to 10, by lot size.

Are roosters allowed in Baltimore?

No. Baltimore bans roosters (hens only).

Do I need a permit for backyard chickens in Baltimore?

The permit rule in Baltimore: animal Control permit.

How far does a chicken coop have to be from my neighbor in Baltimore?

Where the coop can go in Baltimore: 15 ft from homes.

Can my HOA ban chickens if Baltimore allows them?

Yes. HOA rules, deed restrictions and leases can be stricter than city code. Read yours before you build.

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Coop Ready is a planning aid, not legal advice. City codes change, and zoning, HOA rules and your exact parcel can change what is allowed. Confirm with Baltimore before you build.