Raleigh allows up to 6 hens in residential zones with a $50 permit and a 25-foot setback from property lines. Here's the complete process and how Raleigh's rules differ from Wake County's more permissive unincorporated provisions.
Raleigh Quick Summary
Maximum hens: 6 · Roosters: Prohibited · Permit: Yes ($50) · Setback: 25 ft from property line · Code: Raleigh Unified Development Ordinance § 6.3.6
Raleigh's Chicken Ordinance
Raleigh's livestock rules are in the Raleigh UDO, Section 6.3.6 (Urban Agriculture). The chicken allowance was added as part of a broader urban agriculture ordinance revision in the early 2010s and has remained largely stable since. Key provisions:
Maximum 6 hens per single-family residential lot
Roosters prohibited
25 ft setback from all property lines
Coop must be in rear yard
$50 one-time permit from Raleigh Development Services
Site plan required with application
Raleigh vs. Wake County
The contrast between Raleigh city rules and Wake County's unincorporated area rules is significant for goat-keepers in particular. Wake County's UDO permits miniature does on standard residential lots without permit; Raleigh's code does not permit goats in standard residential zones regardless of breed size. If you're in Raleigh city limits and want goats, you'd need to seek a conditional use approval that is unlikely to be granted in most urban residential contexts.
For chickens specifically, Raleigh's rules are similar to Wake County's — 6 hens with permit and rear-yard placement. The main practical difference is the setback: Raleigh's 25-foot setback from property lines is more demanding than Wake County's standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the Wake County GIS map (wakegov.com/maps) and search your address. The parcel details panel will show "Jurisdiction" — if it says "City of Raleigh," Raleigh's UDO governs. If it shows "Wake County" or "Unincorporated," Wake County's rules apply. Some Wake County municipalities (Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Garner) have their own rules separate from both Raleigh and Wake County.
Raleigh's urban agriculture provisions cover "chickens and other domestic fowl" — ducks are included in the same 6-bird limit. The same permit and setback requirements apply. Raleigh Development Services staff have confirmed that ducks count against the same 6-fowl limit as chickens in the combined permit. Water management requirements for ducks are not specified in the ordinance but nuisance standards apply.
Disclaimer: General informational guidance only. Ordinances vary and change frequently. Always verify with your local planning department before acquiring animals.