Coop Ready Georgia DeKalb County
Depends on your zoning
Yes in most single-family districts, on lots of 10,000 sq ft or more. A 10,000 sq ft lot can keep 5 hens.
This covers unincorporated DeKalb County only. Cities inside the county, such as Decatur, Brookhaven and Tucker, set their own rules. Poultry is allowed in the RE, RLG, R-100, R-85, R-75 and RNC districts but not in R-60 or RSM. Coops go in the rear yard with 25 sq ft of fenced yard and 4 sq ft of coop per hen, and there is no slaughter.
Hen limit
1 hen per 2,000 sq ft of lot (lots of 10,000 sq ft or more)
Roosters
Banned
Permit
Not stated
Coop placement
Coop at least 20 ft from any property line and 50 ft from any home other than yours
Checked against city code We read the official code section linked below for every fact on this page.
Read the official DeKalb County rules ↗ Checked October 2026.
Will your coop fit in DeKalb County?
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 DeKalb County rules above. Free, no account.
Backyard chicken questions in DeKalb County
How many chickens can I have in DeKalb County?
The hen limit in DeKalb County: 1 hen per 2,000 sq ft of lot (lots of 10,000 sq ft or more).
Are roosters allowed in DeKalb County?
No. DeKalb County bans roosters on typical home lots.
Do I need a permit for backyard chickens in DeKalb County?
The city rules we read do not mention a permit for backyard hens. Ask the city before you build.
How far does a chicken coop have to be from my neighbor in DeKalb County?
Where the coop can go in DeKalb County: coop at least 20 ft from any property line and 50 ft from any home other than yours.
Can my HOA ban chickens if DeKalb County allows them?
Yes. HOA rules, deed restrictions and leases can be stricter than city code. Read yours before you build.
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See every city on Coop Ready → · Coop size calculator · Chicken laws study · Backyard chickens 101
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 DeKalb County before you build.
