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

Coop Ready Tennessee Chattanooga

Hens allowed

Yes. Chattanooga allows backyard hens on a typical single-family home lot.

Up to 8 laying hens on a single-family lot with a rear yard. One enclosure per lot, no taller than 8 ft, which must also meet accessory-structure setbacks and sit 50 ft from streams. Adopted in 2025 on a trial basis.

Hen limit

8

Roosters

Banned (allowed only in A-1 zoning)

Permit

No

Coop placement

Rear yard only, at least 5 ft from any abutting property line

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

Read the official Chattanooga rules ↗ Checked October 2026.

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Backyard chicken questions in Chattanooga

How many chickens can I have in Chattanooga?

Up to 8 hens on a typical home lot.

Are roosters allowed in Chattanooga?

No. Chattanooga bans roosters (allowed only in A-1 zoning).

Do I need a permit for backyard chickens in Chattanooga?

No. Chattanooga does not require a permit for a typical backyard flock.

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

Where the coop can go in Chattanooga: rear yard only, at least 5 ft from any abutting property line.

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