DeKalb County Chicken Ordinance: Current Rules and Pending Changes

What You Need to Know About Keeping Chickens in DeKalb County, GA

DeKalb County has been revising its zoning ordinances, including chicken-keeping rules. As of the latest draft (not yet officially adopted), here are the proposed standards—though the old 2-acre minimum for livestock classification is still being enforced pending final adoption.

Proposed New Rules (Draft)

• Minimum lot size: 10,000 sq ft
• Maximum hens: 1 hen per 2,000 sq ft of lot area
• No roosters allowed
• Coop space: 4 sq ft per standard hen; 1 sq ft per bantam (over 4 months old)
• Run space: 25 sq ft fenced area per hen
• Setbacks: 20 ft from property lines; 50 ft from other residences
• Location: Rear yard only (if principal building exists)
• Containment: Secure enclosed yard/pen at all times
• Purpose: Pets or egg production only—no slaughter
• Sanitation: No nuisance; composted waste allowed for owner's property

Current Enforcement Reality

Until the new ordinance is formally adopted, DeKalb continues to enforce the old code—classifying chickens as livestock requiring 2+ acres. Check status with Zoning Administrator Marian Eisenberg (404-371-4922) or review the draft at planningdekalb.net.

Expert Source

Anne-Marie Anderson (The Celtic Gardener, 404-667-1219) monitors this closely and is a reliable resource for updates.