Backyard Livestock Laws in Tennessee
Tennessee 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 Tennessee where backyard livestock questions are most commonly searched.
Tennessee has been progressively updating urban livestock ordinances, with Nashville leading the revision efforts. Williamson County is notable for relatively permissive miniature goat provisions in its unincorporated areas — an increasingly desirable area for suburban homesteaders.
Major Tennessee Cities — Chicken & Livestock Rules Summary
| City / County | Current Rules (verify locally) |
|---|---|
| Nashville Metro | Up to 6 hens, no roosters, use permit required, 25 ft from adjacent dwelling |
| Memphis | Chickens permitted in residential; use permit required; varies by zone |
| Knoxville | Up to 6 hens, no roosters, permit required |
| Chattanooga | Up to 4 hens, no roosters, permit required |
| Clarksville | Up to 6 hens, permit required |
| Williamson County (unincorporated) | More permissive than Nashville; miniature goats allowed without acreage minimums in some zones |
Data current as of late 2024. Ordinances change — always verify with your local planning department.
State-Level Registration Requirements
Beekeeping: Tennessee requires registration of all managed honey bee hives with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. Contact your state's apiary division for current registration fees and requirements.
Livestock generally: Tennessee 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 Tennessee
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.