Backyard Livestock Laws in Georgia
Georgia does not have a statewide preemption law that standardizes livestock ordinances across all municipalities — rules are set at the city and county level. This guide covers the major cities and counties in Georgia where backyard livestock questions are most commonly searched.
Georgia's urban livestock landscape varies significantly between Atlanta's strict urban ordinances and the more permissive unincorporated county areas. Georgia has a strong Right to Farm Act but it applies to established agricultural operations, not new residential livestock keeping.
Major Georgia Cities — Chicken & Livestock Rules Summary
| City / County | Current Rules (verify locally) |
|---|---|
| Atlanta | Up to 4 hens in most residential zones, no roosters, permit required |
| Augusta | Chickens permitted in some residential zones; varies significantly by zoning district |
| Savannah | Up to 6 hens, no roosters, conditional use permit required |
| Athens-Clarke County | Up to 6 hens, no roosters, permit required |
| Marietta | Up to 4 hens, permit required, rear yard only |
| Fulton County (unincorporated) | More permissive than Atlanta; mini-goats allowed in some districts |
Data current as of late 2024. Ordinances change — always verify with your local planning department.
State-Level Registration Requirements
Beekeeping: Georgia requires registration of all managed honey bee hives with the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Contact your state's apiary division for current registration fees and requirements.
Livestock generally: Georgia does not require state-level registration for small-scale backyard livestock (chickens, goats, rabbits) below commercial thresholds. However, certain disease reporting requirements may apply if your flock shows signs of reportable diseases — contact your state Department of Agriculture's animal health division for details.
Finding Unincorporated County Rules in Georgia
If your property is in an unincorporated area (not within city limits), county zoning rules apply rather than municipal ordinances. County rules are generally more permissive than city ordinances. To confirm whether you're incorporated or unincorporated, check your county assessor's parcel records — the "jurisdiction" or "municipality" field will show if you're in a city or in unincorporated county territory.