Lafayette, IN Chicken Laws: Hens, Roosters, Permits and Coop Rules

Coop Ready Indiana Lafayette

Allowed with a permit

Yes, with a permit. Lafayette allows backyard hens, but you need a permit first.

Residential properties, non-commercial use only. The coop needs 1 sq ft and the covered pen 2 sq ft per hen, the pen may be no taller than 6 ft, and each hen must be identifiable, for example with a leg band. A 2025 pilot was made permanent in August 2026.

Hen limit

5

Roosters

Banned

Permit

Yes: free permit from the City Clerk's Office

Coop placement

Coop and pen behind the house, at least 10 ft from any property line and 20 ft from any home you do not own or live in

Source linked These rules come from the source linked below. Confirm current details with the city.

Read the official Lafayette rules ↗ Checked October 2026.

Will your coop fit in Lafayette?

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 Lafayette rules above. Free, no account.

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Backyard chicken questions in Lafayette

How many chickens can I have in Lafayette?

Up to 5 hens on a typical home lot.

Are roosters allowed in Lafayette?

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

Do I need a permit for backyard chickens in Lafayette?

Yes. Lafayette requires a free permit from the City Clerk's Office to keep up to 5 hens.

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

Where the coop can go in Lafayette: coop and pen behind the house, at least 10 ft from any property line and 20 ft from any home you do not own or live in.

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