Atlanta Quick Summary
Limit: Up to 4 hens in most residential zones · Roosters: Prohibited · Permit: Required · Setback: 50 ft from adjacent dwelling in some zones · Code: Atlanta City Code § 10-6
Atlanta's Chicken Ordinance
Atlanta City Code § 10-6 permits up to 4 hens in most residential zones with a permit. Atlanta's ordinance is more restrictive than many peer cities — both the 4-hen limit and the 50-foot setback in some residential zones are demanding by national standards. The 50-foot setback from adjacent dwellings makes urban Atlanta chicken-keeping geometrically impossible on many of the city's smaller in-town lots.
Atlanta has been updating its ordinance incrementally. The current framework dates to a 2014 revision, and advocacy groups including the Georgia Urban Ag Council have lobbied for updates. As of late 2024, the 4-hen limit and permit requirement remain in effect, but enforcement is complaint-driven and inconsistent across the city's diverse neighborhoods.
Atlanta's 50-Foot Setback
The 50-foot setback from adjacent dwellings in Atlanta's standard residential zones is one of the most demanding of any major U.S. city. On many Atlanta in-town lots — particularly in neighborhoods like Kirkwood, Decatur-adjacent, and Grant Park — houses are 20–30 feet apart, making compliance literally impossible without a variance. Measure carefully before acquiring birds.Key Rules at a Glance
- Up to 4 hens in most Atlanta residential zones
- Roosters are prohibited
- A permit from Atlanta Development Services is required
- Coop must be at least 50 feet from any adjacent dwelling in standard residential zones
- Rear yard required
- Coop must be maintained free of odor
- Permit application requires site plan with setback documentation
| Rule | Detail | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flock limit | 4 hens | More restrictive than most peers | Atlanta Code § 10-6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited | All residential zones | Atlanta Code § 10-6 |
| Permit | Required | Development Services | Atlanta Code § 10-6 |
| Setback | 50 ft from adjacent dwelling | Very demanding in urban Atlanta | Atlanta Code § 10-6 |
| Location | Rear yard only | Front yard prohibited | Atlanta Code § 10-6 |
How Atlanta Compares to Nearby Cities
| City | Limit | Permit | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | 4 hens | Permit required | 50 ft from adjacent dwelling |
| Savannah | 6 hens | Conditional use permit | 25 ft setback |
| Augusta | Varies by zone | Varies | Varies |
| Athens-Clarke | 6 hens | Permit required | 25 ft setback |
| Marietta | 4 hens | Permit required | Rear yard only |
| Decatur (city) | 6 hens | No permit | 15 ft setback |
Frequently Asked Questions
You have two options: apply for a variance from the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA), or check whether your specific zoning district has a different setback provision. Atlanta's code has multiple residential district designations with slightly varying standards. Some newer form-based code districts in Atlanta have different standards. Contact Atlanta Development Services at (404) 330-6145 with your specific address to confirm which provision applies to your parcel.
Yes — the City of Decatur is a separate municipality from Atlanta with its own code. Decatur allows up to 6 hens with no permit and a more manageable 15-foot setback. Many Atlanta-area residents specifically seek Decatur addresses for this reason. Confirm whether your property is in Atlanta city limits or the City of Decatur using the DeKalb County GIS viewer.
Unincorporated Fulton County has different, generally more permissive rules than Atlanta city. Some unincorporated Fulton County areas allow miniature goats on residential lots — something Atlanta city prohibits entirely. Confirm your jurisdiction using the Fulton County Property Search portal.
Related Guides
State GuideGeorgia Livestock LawsAll major Georgia cities.GuideVariance ApplicationsAtlanta's 50-ft setback often requires one.ToolSetback CalculatorCheck if your lot meets Atlanta's requirements.
Disclaimer: Ordinances change. Always verify current rules with Atlanta's Planning or Zoning department before acquiring any animals.