Johnson City, TN Chicken Laws: Hens, Roosters, Permits and Coop Rules

Coop Ready Tennessee Johnson City

Not on typical home lots

Not on a typical home lot. Johnson City keeps chickens off ordinary residential lots.

The R-1 district allows general farming but not raising poultry, and the other residential districts build on R-1's use list. Poultry is allowed in the A-1 Agricultural district only with the city health officer's approval, and a separate city code rule bars fowl within 1,000 ft of any home or business without approval.

Hen limit

Not allowed in residential zones

Roosters

Banned in residential zones (all poultry)

Permit

Not available in residential zones

Coop placement

Not applicable

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

Read the official Johnson City rules ↗ Checked October 2026.

Backyard chicken questions in Johnson City

How many chickens can I have in Johnson City?

None on a typical home lot. The rule: not allowed in residential zones.

Are roosters allowed in Johnson City?

No. Johnson City bans roosters (in residential zones (all poultry).

Do I need a permit for backyard chickens in Johnson City?

No. There is no hen permit in Johnson City, and zoning does not allow poultry in residential districts.

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

Not applicable, because hens are not allowed on typical home lots.

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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 Johnson City before you build.