Greensboro, NC Chicken Laws: Hens, Roosters, Permit

Coop Ready North Carolina Greensboro

Depends on your zoning

Yes, on lots of at least 7,000 sq ft in most residential zones. A lot of 7,000 to 12,000 sq ft can keep up to 4 hens, with the coop behind the house and 25 ft from every lot line.

Allowed only with single-family detached homes in the R-3, R-5, R-7, RM-5, RM-8, RM-12 and RM-18 zones, never on lots under 7,000 sq ft. Birds may not roam and a fenced area is required. Lots over 12,000 sq ft that cannot meet 50 ft can use 25 ft from lines and 50 ft from neighbors' houses, limited to 1 bird per 3,000 sq ft up to 10.

Hen limit

None under 7,000 sq ft; 1 per 3,000 sq ft up to 4 on lots of 7,000 to 12,000 sq ft; 1 per 2,000 sq ft up to 20 on bigger lots

Roosters

Not named, but birds clearly heard off the property are banned

Permit

Coop placement

Lots of 7,000 to 12,000 sq ft: coop 25 ft from every lot line and 50 ft from a neighbor's house. Lots over 12,000 sq ft: 50 ft from every lot line. Always behind the back wall of the house.

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

Read the official Greensboro rules ↗ Checked October 2026.

Will your coop fit in Greensboro?

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 Greensboro rules above. Free, no account.

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Backyard chicken questions in Greensboro

How many chickens can I have in Greensboro?

The hen limit in Greensboro: none under 7,000 sq ft; 1 per 3,000 sq ft up to 4 on lots of 7,000 to 12,000 sq ft; 1 per 2,000 sq ft up to 20 on bigger lots.

Are roosters allowed in Greensboro?

Effectively no. The code does not name roosters, but it bans any poultry that can be clearly heard off the property.

Do I need a permit for backyard chickens in Greensboro?

No. Greensboro does not require a permit or registration for backyard hens.

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

Where the coop can go in Greensboro: lots of 7,000 to 12,000 sq ft: coop 25 ft from every lot line and 50 ft from a neighbor's house. Lots over 12,000 sq ft: 50 ft from every lot line. Always behind the back wall of the house.