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

Coop Ready Tennessee Smyrna

Larger lots only

Only on farm-size parcels. Smyrna ties poultry to agricultural use, permitted in R-1 or on farms of 5 acres or more, not on a typical subdivision lot.

Zoning lists agricultural use, which includes poultry, as permitted only in the R-1 district. R-2 allows farms of 5 acres or more only by special exception, and other residential districts ban any use not listed. A 2017 proposal for 6 hens on 12,000 sq ft lots was never adopted.

Hen limit

Not stated (poultry counts as agricultural use)

Roosters

Not named in the code

Permit

Not stated

Coop placement

Not confirmed

Partly reviewed The linked source is the general city code or a summary, not the exact section. Confirm the details with the city.

Read the official Smyrna rules ↗ Checked October 2026.

Will your coop fit in Smyrna?

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Backyard chicken questions in Smyrna

How many chickens can I have in Smyrna?

The hen limit in Smyrna: not stated (poultry counts as agricultural use).

Are roosters allowed in Smyrna?

The rooster rule in Smyrna: not named in the code.

Do I need a permit for backyard chickens in Smyrna?

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 Smyrna?

Where the coop can go in Smyrna: not confirmed.

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