Jackson, TN Chicken Laws: Hens, Roosters, Permit

Coop Ready Tennessee Jackson

Larger lots only

Only on large properties. Jackson allows up to 6 hens, but the 250 ft distance from neighboring property lines rules out ordinary city lots.

Up to 6 hens on single-family lots with their own yards; multi-family homes are excluded. The coop needs 2 sq ft and the fenced run 6 sq ft per hen, and the run must be covered or at least 42 in. tall. No front yards, egg sales, breeding or slaughter.

Hen limit

Roosters

Banned

Permit

Yes: a health officer permit for poultry within 1,000 ft of a neighbor's home or a business

Coop placement

Coop and run at least 100 ft from every abutting property line; no permit within 250 ft of any home or business property line

Checked against city code We read the official code section linked below for every fact on this page.

Read the official Jackson rules ↗ Checked October 2026.

Will your coop fit in Jackson?

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Backyard chicken questions in Jackson

How many chickens can I have in Jackson?

Up to 6 hens on a typical home lot.

Are roosters allowed in Jackson?

No. Jackson allows hens only, and roosters are not permitted.

Do I need a permit for backyard chickens in Jackson?

Yes. Jackson requires a permit from the health officer, and it cannot be approved within 250 ft of a neighboring home's property line.

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

Where the coop can go in Jackson: coop and run at least 100 ft from every abutting property line; no permit within 250 ft of any home or business property line.