Nashville, TN Chicken Laws: Hens, Roosters, Permits and Coop Rules

Coop Ready Tennessee Nashville

Allowed with a permit

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

Hen limit

2 to 6, by lot size

Roosters

Banned

Permit

Annual permit

Coop placement

25 ft from other homes and 10 ft from the property line

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

Read the official Nashville rules ↗ Checked October 2026.

Will your coop fit in Nashville?

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Backyard chicken questions in Nashville

How many chickens can I have in Nashville?

The hen limit in Nashville: 2 to 6, by lot size.

Are roosters allowed in Nashville?

No. Nashville bans roosters on typical home lots.

Do I need a permit for backyard chickens in Nashville?

The permit rule in Nashville: annual permit.

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

Where the coop can go in Nashville: 25 ft from other homes and 10 ft from the property line.

Can my HOA ban chickens if Nashville 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 Nashville before you build.