Major Missouri Cities — Livestock Ordinance Summary
Missouri does not have a statewide ordinance that standardizes livestock rules across municipalities — rules are set at the city and county level. The table below summarizes the major cities and counties covered on this site.
| City / County | Current Rules (verify locally) |
|---|---|
| Kansas City | Up to 6 hens, no permit, 25 ft from structure — unusually permissive for a large city |
| St. Louis | Up to 4 hens, permit required, 25 ft from structure |
| Springfield | Up to 4 hens, no permit, 20 ft setback |
| Columbia | Up to 6 hens, no permit, 15 ft setback |
How to Find Your Specific Missouri Rules
Search your city or county on Municode.com and search for "chickens," "poultry," or "livestock." For unincorporated county areas, check your county Planning Department's website. Our zoning code reading guide walks through the exact steps.
Disclaimer: Ordinances change frequently. Always verify with your local planning department before acquiring animals.