South Carolina is the ideal place for those seeking the charms of Southern living. From growing your own vegetables to raising chickens for fresh eggs, you can enjoy the hallmarks of a classic country lifestyle.
If you’re ready to go back to basics and provide for yourself, South Carolina is the place to be. The state is very friendly toward backyard chickens, with many cities, towns, and counties allowing them.There’s also a bill currently under consideration that would legalize backyard chickens statewide, regardless of municipal laws.
Until it passes, keep reading to find out if you can have chickens in your backyard where you live in South Carolina.
Is It Legal to Have Chickens in Your Backyard in South Carolina?
Yes, many areas in South Carolina allow you to keep chickens in your backyard. Local rules vary from place to place, some cities and towns permit them, while others do not. To know what applies to you, it’s best to keep reading and check your city, town, or county’s specific requirements.
The South Carolina House of Representatives has also introduced a bill that would make backyard chickens legal statewide, overriding local restrictions. If the bill passes, the rules in your area could soon change.
Can I Let Chickens Roam Free In My Yard?
Chickens are typically required to be kept in an enclosure, such as a coop or pen. A chicken coop with an attached run is often recommended, as it allows chickens to get fresh air while preventing them from roaming freely. Be sure to check with your local zoning department to learn about your area’s specific coop size and setback requirements.
Do You Need A Permit to Have Chickens in South Carolina?
Yes, many areas require you to obtain a permit or submit an application to keep chickens in your backyard. It’s essential to contact your local planning or zoning department to learn what their specific requirements include.
How Many Chickens Can You Raise on 1 Acre in South Carolina?
This depends on where you live, as the number of chickens allowed per acre can vary. In many areas, a common guideline is around four chickens per acre. However, it’s important to check with your local officials to confirm exactly how many are permitted in your area.
Chicken Laws By County in South Carolina
Below is a list of all 46 counties in South Carolina. Some counties outline specific requirements for keeping chickens in your backyard, while others defer regulation to city and town officials. You may want to skip ahead if you’re looking for information about your city or town’s rules.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Abbeville County?
While there don’t appear to be any explicit countywide regulations prohibiting backyard chickens, it is likely permitted in Abbeville County. Neither the county nor the City of Abbeville seems to have specific ordinances banning chickens; however, animals must not be allowed to roam at large, meaning they should be kept securely on your property.
For confirmation on whether backyard chickens are allowed, whether they must be kept in a coop or enclosure, and to learn about any other applicable requirements, it’s best to contact the Abbeville County Planning & Zoning Department directly.
Remember that individual municipalities may enforce their own rules, so consult your local city or town officials first to determine what is permitted in your area.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Aiken County?
You can have chickens in your backyard in some parts of Aiken County. It’s important to note that municipalities within the county can set their own regulations, so whether or not they are allowed will vary depending on where you reside.
For example, the city of Aiken does permit backyard chickens but requires that fowl be kept in an enclosure 40 feet from any residence.
If you reside in an unincorporated part of the county and are wondering what your requirements are, please contact the Aiken County Planning & Development Department.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Allendale County?
It is unclear what county requirements for backyard chickens are at this time. In most cases, cities and towns within the county enforce their own regulations, so it’s important to contact your local municipal planning or zoning department to find out whether backyard chickens are allowed on your property.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Anderson County?
Some areas of Anderson County may permit backyard chickens, but the clearest answer will come from your local planning or zoning officials. Individual municipalities often enforce chicken-keeping regulations, so if you live within city or town limits, check with your local government.
If you reside in an unincorporated area, contact the Anderson County Planning & Zoning Department to find out what is allowed on your property.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Bamberg County?
Yes, it appears that Bamberg County permits agricultural uses in its mixed-use zoning districts, which accounts for keeping chickens in a proper enclosure. However, it’s important to note that backyard chicken requirements are often established by local municipalities, so be sure to check with your city or town’s planning or zoning department if you live within municipal limits.
If you reside in an unincorporated area of Bamberg County and need more specific guidance on keeping chickens on your property, please contact the Bamberg County Building & Planning Department.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Barnwell County?
The answer depends on where you live. Since municipalities enforce backyard chicken-keeping regulations, some cities and towns in Barnwell County, South Carolina, may allow them—while others may not.
For example, the City of Barnwell permits up to six hens, provided they are kept for personal use only and housed in coops with attached runs on single-family residential properties. Roosters are strictly prohibited.
Because local regulations can vary, it’s essential to check with your city or town’s planning or zoning department to determine the specific requirements in your area.
If you live in an unincorporated area of the county and want to know whether chickens are allowed in your backyard, please contact the Barnwell County Building Inspector & Zoning Department.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Beaufort County?
There are relatively few restrictions on keeping backyard chickens in Beaufort County. In most cases, the requirements are determined by municipal authorities, so it’s essential to check with your local planning or zoning department to understand the rules that apply to your specific location.
Chicken coops are generally permitted for accessory use for those living in unincorporated areas, meaning you can likely keep chickens as long as they do not create a nuisance. Please contact the Beaufort County Zoning Department to ensure full compliance with all applicable zoning regulations.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Berkeley County?
Yes, you can have chickens in your backyard in Berkeley County, so long as you meet the following requirements:
- Up to 8 female chickens are permitted.
- You must have at least 10,000 square feet of property space to keep up to 2 chickens.
- An additional chicken is permitted for every 4,500 square feet above that.
- Roosters over 3 months old are strictly prohibited.
- They must be kept in a secure enclosure that is:
- Predator-proof
- Covered
- Provides sufficient space for chickens to move around freely
- Well-ventilated
- Kept 20 feet from any nearby structure
- Kept clean and sanitary
- Has access to fresh food and water
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Calhoun County?
The requirements at the county level are unclear. If you reside in an unincorporated area, it’s recommended that you check with the Calhoun County Building & Planning Department to find out exactly what requirements apply. However, it’s worth noting that many cities and towns enforce their own rules and restrictions, so be sure to check with your local planning or zoning department to learn about the regulations that apply.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Charleston County?
Yes, but the exact requirements vary depending on where you live. For example, James Island allows up to one chicken per 2,500 square feet of land for a total of 12 chickens maximum, regardless of lot size. Roosters are strictly prohibited. Chickens must be kept in a coop or other proper enclosure that is 5 feet from any property line, and a permit must be obtained if one is required.
On the other hand, the city of Charleston allows up to 4 chickens enclosed in a secure coop that provides at least 40 square feet of space and is kept 150 feet from any neighboring home, unless neighbors grant permission to place it closer.
Since regulations can vary based on location within the county, it’s important to check with your local planning or zoning department to find out what they allow. If you reside in an unincorporated part of the county, please check with the county’s Zoning & Planning Department to find out if any laws apply.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Cherokee County?
County-level requirements are unclear, so it’s best to contact your local planning or zoning department to find out if backyard chickens are permitted.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Chester County?
Backyard chickens may be permitted in some parts of Chester County, South Carolina, as city or town officials often determine regulations. However, the city of Chester prohibits them, and current countywide rules appear to allow chickens only on agriculturally zoned properties. In this case, it’s best to check with your local planning or zoning office—or, if you live in an unincorporated area, with the Chester County Building & Zoning Department.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Chesterfield County?
It is unclear. In most cases, this is regulated by city or town officials, so be sure to check with your local planning or zoning department first to determine their requirements. If you reside in an unincorporated area, please contact the Chesterfield County Building Codes Department.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Clarendon County?
Yes, backyard chickens are permitted in Clarendon County. Here are the criteria for keeping chickens in your backyard on a residential property within the county:
- Only hens are allowed; roosters are strictly prohibited.
- Only four hens are permitted per 10,000 square feet of land
- No more than 16 can be kept on any property, regardless of size
- They must be kept in a proper enclosure
- Enclosures are not permitted within 50 feet of another residential structure and 15 within a property line
- The coop should not be visible from the street or any adjoining properties
- Chickens may only be raised for personal and not commercial uses
Please contact the Clarendon County Planning Commission if you have any questions about these requirements.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Colleton County?
Yes, you can likely keep chickens in your backyard in Colleton County, provided they are kept in a proper enclosure, given food and water, maintained in sanitary conditions, and do not become a nuisance. Under the Colleton County Code of Ordinances, poultry is defined as a companion animal.
However, there may be specific regulations that apply to chickens versus other types of poultry, so it’s best to confirm with the Colleton County Zoning Administration. Cities and towns within the county often enforce their own regulations as well, so be sure to check with your local planning or zoning department to find out what rules apply.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Darlington County?
It is unclear what regulations apply to those in unincorporated areas of the county, as the Darlington County Code of Ordinances does not appear to include specific provisions regarding backyard chickens. However, the City of Darlington does appear to prohibit keeping chickens if they are maintained in numbers that create a nuisance.
It’s important to check with your local officials first, as they likely set the rules and restrictions for keeping backyard chickens. If you reside in an unincorporated area, contact the Darlington County Code Enforcement Department to see if they have any requirements.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Dillon County?
While there are no clear countywide regulations, the city of Dillion permits keeping chickens in residential areas. The requirements to do so are as follows:
- No more than four hens may kept on lots with single-family dwellings
- No roosters are allowed
- Must be kept in a chicken coop that is:
- No more than 36 inches tall
- No larger than 8 square feet
- Features an attached run that is no more than 20 square feet
- Placed in the rear yard only
- Screened from side and rear lot lines by shrubbery or fencing
- 15 feet from any property line
- 60 feet from the nearest residence or commercial building
- An annual application to keep chickens must be submitted and approved
Most cities and towns enforce their own backyard chicken laws, so check with local officials first. If you reside in an unincorporated area and are wondering what requirements apply to you, please contact the Dillon County Building Code Enforcement, Planning & Zoning Department.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Dorchester County?
Dorchester County has no provisions at the county level, but the cities and towns within the county likely enforce specific rules and restrictions. For example, the town of Summerville suggests that chickens may be permitted as long as they are not allowed to roam at large. In this case, it’s important to check with your local planning or zoning department to learn what requirements apply. If you reside in an unincorporated area, you should contact the Dorchester County Planning & Development Department to find out what rules are in place.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Edgefield County?
It is unclear whether chickens can be kept in backyards in Edgefield County. Often, cities and towns enforce their own regulations, so it’s best to check with your local officials first. You can contact the Edgefield County Building & Zoning Department if you live in an unincorporated area.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Fairfield County?
Fairfield County’s Code of Ordinances prohibits animals from running at large but does not include specific provisions regarding backyard chickens. It is recommended that you first check with your local planning or zoning department to determine their requirements. If you reside in an unincorporated area, consult the Fairfield County Planning & Zoning Division for guidance.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Florence County?
In Florence County, backyard chicken laws are likely enforced by individual cities and towns rather than county officials. It’s recommended that you reach out to your local planning or zoning department to determine their requirements.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Georgetown County?
Backyard chicken laws in Georgetown County appear to be a point of contention, with some residents expressing concern that the regulations are too strict and county officials working to establish clearer guidelines to allow them. You may be able to keep backyard chickens in certain residential districts, provided that no more than four chickens are kept on properties that are at least 10,000 square feet.
However, rules and restrictions may vary depending on where you live within the county, so check with local officials first. Contact the Georgetown County Building, Planning & Zoning Department for clarification on the county’s laws.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Greenville County?
Yes, you can keep up to 8 female chickens on your property in Greenville County. However, roosters are strictly prohibited. Chickens must be kept in a proper enclosure, such as a coop.
Keep in mind that the City of Greenville and other municipalities within the county may have their own backyard chicken regulations, so be sure to check with your local officials to determine which rules apply to your location. If you have any questions about county requirements, please contact the Greenville County Zoning Administration.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Greenwood County?
Currently, poultry appears to be permitted only in agriculturally zoned districts, which likely means backyard chickens are not allowed in most residential areas. However, cities and towns within the county may enforce their own regulations, so be sure to check with your local planning or zoning department to find out if you can keep chickens in your backyard.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Hampton County?
No clear rules or restrictions are currently in place specifying whether backyard chickens are permitted in Hampton County. If you live in an unincorporated area, contact the Building & Planning Department to learn what rules may apply. Contact your local officials to determine their specific requirements if you’re within a city or town.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Horry County?
The rules for keeping small animals in Horry County do not specify any backyard chicken requirements. Note that cities and towns enforce their own regulations—for example, the City of Conway does not permit chickens unless your property is zoned agricultural. Check with your local planning or zoning department for what they allow.
If you live in an unincorporated area, you can contact the Horry County Planning & Zoning Department to learn more about the requirements.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Jasper County?
Jasper County doesn’t have any clear countywide requirements regarding backyard chickens. These rules are likely enforced by city or town officials, so be sure to contact your local planning or zoning department to find out what is allowed. If you reside in an unincorporated part of the county, you can contact the Jasper County Planning & Building Services Department to learn about any regulations that may apply to your property.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Kershaw County?
No clear laws regarding backyard chickens exist at the county level. However, the county seat, Camden, does permit them, allowing up to 10 chickens per residential lot, excluding roosters. Because regulations may vary between cities and towns, it’s important to contact your local planning or zoning department to determine what rules apply in your area. If you reside in an unincorporated area, information about backyard chickens can be obtained from the Planning & Zoning Department.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Lancaster County?
It is unclear what is permitted in Lancaster County regarding backyard chickens. They may be allowed in some areas but prohibited in others, so it’s essential to check the requirements for your location through your city or town’s planning or zoning department. Information about rules and restrictions for unincorporated areas can be obtained from the Lancaster County Zoning Department.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Laurens County?
Backyard chicken regulations in Laurens County aren’t clearly defined at the county level. Depending on where you live, chickens might be allowed—or not—based on local ordinances. To avoid any issues, contact your city or town’s zoning or planning office for specific guidance. If your property falls outside municipal boundaries, the Laurens County Planning Department is your best resource for understanding applicable rules.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Lee County?
Lee County does not offer clear, countywide guidelines on whether backyard chickens are permitted. Regulations can differ depending on whether you live within a city, town, or unincorporated area. To find out what’s allowed in your area, it’s best to consult your local planning or zoning department. The Lee County Planning & Zoning Department can provide information on any applicable rules for properties outside a city or town’s limits.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Lexington County?
Yes, you can keep up to four hens on residential properties in Lexington County, as long as they are not allowed to roam freely. They must be housed in a coop or other proper enclosure located in the rear yard. All enclosures must also meet applicable setback requirements. If you have any questions about these rules, please contact the Lexington County Zoning Division.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Marion County?
There are no countywide regulations for keeping chickens in your backyard in Marion County. These rules are often enforced by city and town officials, so it’s important to contact your local planning or zoning department to find out what is allowed in your area. If you reside in an unincorporated part of the county, contact the Marion County Planning & Zoning Department to see if any rules are in place.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Marlboro County?
Backyard chicken regulations in Marlboro County are generally not set at the county level. Instead, these decisions are typically made by individual cities or towns. To find out if chickens are allowed in your area, start by contacting your local planning or zoning department. If you live outside city or town limits, you can contact the Marlboro County Zoning Department at (843)-479-5602.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in McCormick County?
McCormick County does not appear to have countywide rules specifically addressing backyard chickens. In most cases, these types of regulations are handled by individual municipalities. If you live within a city or town, it’s best to reach out to your local planning or zoning office to learn what’s allowed. For those in unincorporated parts of McCormick County, contact the county’s Planning or Zoning Department directly to inquire about any applicable guidelines.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Newberry County?
In many parts of Newberry County, keeping backyard chickens is allowed. For example, the City of Newberry permits up to six chickens in a fully enclosed coop, though roosters are not allowed. Other municipalities within the county, such as Prosperity, also allow backyard chickens. Because cities and towns may enforce their own regulations, it’s important to consult your local planning or zoning department to confirm what’s permitted in your area. If you live in an unincorporated area, contact the Newberry County Planning & Zoning Department for guidance.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Oconee County?
Oconee County does not seem to have specific county-level ordinances that address the keeping of backyard chickens. Regulations are generally set by the individual cities and towns within the county. If you reside within a municipal area, your best course of action is to contact the local zoning or planning office to understand what is permitted. For properties located in unincorporated areas, you can reach out to the Oconee County Planning or Zoning Department to get information on any rules that may apply.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Orangeburg County?
There are no clearly defined rules regarding backyard chickens at the county level in Orangeburg County. However, most cities and towns within the county establish and enforce their own regulations, meaning chickens may be allowed in some areas but prohibited in others. It’s important to check with your local planning or zoning department to determine what is permitted in your area. If you live in an unincorporated part of the county and are unsure which regulations apply, contact the Orangeburg County Zoning Department for guidance.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Pickens County?
In Pickens County, whether or not backyard chickens are allowed depends on where you live. For example, Clemson permits up to 5 hens. However, other areas may not so it’s essential to check with your local planning or zoning department to find out what is allowed. If you reside in an unincorporated area Pickens County Planning Department.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Richland County?
It is unclear what is permitted at the county level in Richland County. However, the City of Columbia does allow residents to keep up to four chickens, provided they are housed in an appropriate enclosure and the necessary permits are obtained.
Regulations may vary depending on your location—while cities like Columbia permit backyard chickens, other municipalities may not. It’s essential to check with your local planning or zoning department to confirm what is allowed.
If you reside in an unincorporated area, contact the Richland County Planning & Development Department for more information on their specific requirements.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Saluda County?
Regulations for backyard chickens vary depending on where you live within Saluda County. For example, the Town of Saluda allows chickens as long as you have at least 100,000 square feet of lot area and the coop is located 75 feet from any neighboring dwelling. In some municipalities, the requirements may be more lenient, while others may prohibit backyard chickens entirely. That’s why it’s essential to check with your local planning or zoning department for specific guidelines.
If you reside in an unincorporated area of the county, the Saluda County Building Codes Department may be able to advise you on whether backyard chickens are permitted.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Spartanburg County?
It is unclear what is permitted at the county level. However, the City of Spartanburg does allow backyard chickens—residents may keep up to six hens in a fully enclosed coop, which must be located at least 50 feet from any neighboring residence. Often, backyard chicken laws are set by city and town officials, so it’s essential to check with your local planning or zoning department to find out what their specific requirements are.
If you reside in an unincorporated area, please contact the Spartanburg County Planning Department to learn what rules apply to your property.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Sumter County?
This does not appear to be enforced at the county level, as the City of Sumter and other municipalities within the county have their own regulations. For example, the City of Sumter allows up to 12 chickens, provided they are kept in a proper enclosure located at least 30 feet from any neighboring dwelling. Because these rules can vary, it’s important to check with your local planning or zoning department to learn what is permitted in your area.
For those living in unincorporated parts of the county, the Sumter County Planning Department can provide more information about backyard chicken regulations.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Union County?
As is common in many states throughout the U.S., including South Carolina, cities and towns enforce their own backyard chicken laws, meaning there are likely no countywide rules in place in Union County. For example, the City of Union permits chickens, provided they are kept in a proper enclosure and located at least 300 feet from any nearby residence or business. Since regulations can vary between municipalities within the county, it’s essential to contact your local planning or zoning department to learn what their specific requirements are.
If you live in an unincorporated part of Union County, contact the Union County Code Enforcement Department to find out whether backyard chickens are permitted.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in Williamsburg County?
Regulations vary depending on where you live in Williamsburg County. For example, the Town of Kingstree permits up to 15 hens, as long as they are kept in a proper enclosure or coop that meets setback requirements. However, other cities or towns may not allow backyard chickens. For this reason, it’s important to contact your local planning or zoning department to understand the rules that apply in your area.
If you reside in an unincorporated area, please contact the Williamsburg County Code Enforcement Department to learn about their specific requirements.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in York County?
Yes, the county permits up to six chickens, depending on your property’s zoning and location. If you live in an unincorporated area of the county, contact York County Planning & Development Services to find out whether chickens are allowed on your property.
However, cities and towns within the county establish their own regulations, so if you reside within municipal limits, be sure to check with your local planning or zoning department to determine whether chickens are permitted.
Can You Have Chickens in City Limits? | Backyard Chicken Laws in Cities in SC
Below is a list of major cities in South Carolina and information on whether backyard chickens are allowed. If your city or town isn’t listed, be sure to contact your local planning or zoning department to find out what the requirements are for keeping chickens in your backyard.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in the City of Columbia, SC?
Yes, you can keep chickens in your backyard in Columbia, SC, as long as you meet the following requirements:
- Only keep up to 4 hens (roosters are not allowed)
- House them in a coop that meets the city’s sizing requirements
- Place the coop at least 25 feet from the property line and 50 feet from the nearest residence
- Obtain a zoning permit for the accessory structure
- Receive a certificate of inspection from the Animal Control Division
- Pay an inspection fee of $5 per bird
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in the City of Charleston, SC?
Yes, you can keep up to 4 chickens in your backyard in the city of Charleston. Chickens must be kept in a secure enclosure that’s located at least 150 feet from any neighboring homes unless express permission is granted by your neighbor. If you have any questions about this or additional requirements such as permitting, number of chickens per property square footage, and so on, please contact the city of Charleston’s Planning, Permitting, & Engineering Department.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in the City of North Charleston, SC?
Chickens may be permitted in North Charleston, but the current regulations are unclear. To get an accurate answer and learn about any requirements for keeping them, please contact the North Charleston Zoning Department.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in the Town of Mt. Pleasant, SC?
Yes, you can have chickens in the town of Mt. Pleasant, SC, so long as they are:
- Kept in a coop that meets proper sizing requirements
- Not permitted to become a nuisance
More specific regulations may apply, so it’s essential to check with the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Department to confirm the requirements for your property.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in the City of Rock Hill, SC?
Yes, you can have chickens in Rock Hill, SC, as long as they are kept in a coop or enclosure that is at least 30 feet from any dwelling. For more specific information on keeping chickens in your backyard, please contact the Rock Hill Planning & Development Department.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in the City of Greenville, SC?
Yes, provided that they do not become a nuisance. While there is no specific limit to the number of chickens, they likely don’t allow more than 8 in compliance with county requirements. If you have any questions or want to learn more about specific requirements, please consult the Planning & Development Department.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in the Town of Summerville, SC?
Backyard chicken laws in Summerville, SC, aren’t clearly defined. While the town of Summerville’s Code of Ordinances suggests that chickens may be allowed as long as they are not permitted to roam at large, more detailed regulations are not clearly outlined. For clarification on the number of chickens allowed, coop placement, and other requirements, contact the Summerville Planning & Zoning Department.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in the City of Sumter, SC?
Yes, you can keep chickens in Sumter, so long as the following requirements are met:
- They are kept in a chicken coop or other enclosure
- Their enclosure is located at least 30 feet from any dwellings
- You must keep hens and not roosters
It appears that changes to these requirements may be underway, so it’s important to check with the Sumter Planning Department to confirm the most up-to-date regulations.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in the City of Goose Creek, SC?
Yes, backyard chickens are permitted in Goose Creek, SC. To keep them, the city requires that you:
- Have no more than one chicken per 2,500 square feet of property
- Keep no more than four chickens total, regardless of lot size
- Submit and receive approval for a completed application
- Pay the required permit fees
- Do not keep chickens for commercial purposes
- House them in a coop that meets city sizing standards
- Place the coop at least 5 feet from any property lines
If you have any questions about these requirements, please contact the Goose Creek Planning & Zoning Department.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in the Town of Hilton Head Island, SC?
It is currently unclear whether backyard chickens are permitted in Hilton Head Island. To find out what regulations may apply, it is recommended that you contact the Community Development Department.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in the City of Florence, SC?
The regulations for backyard chickens in Florence, SC, are unclear. It appears they may be allowed as long as they do not create a nuisance, but this leaves important details—such as the number of chickens permitted, coop placement requirements, and other standards—uncertain. In this case, it’s best to contact the Planning and Development Department to find out exactly what requirements you must follow.
Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard in the City of Spartanburg, SC?
Yes, you are permitted to keep chickens in your backyard in Spartanburg, SC, provided that the following conditions are met:
- No more than 6 female chickens are kept
- Roosters are not allowed
- Chickens are housed in a coop
- Coops are 50 feet away from any neighboring residence
- Written permission to keep chickens is obtained from abutting property owners
- An annual permit is secured to keep the chickens
Looking For An Enclosure For Your Backyard Chickens in SC?
As you’ve learned in this article, most places in South Carolina require chickens to be kept in an enclosure, such as a chicken coop. If you need a coop that meets your locality’s sizing requirements and helps you comply with other common standards like ventilation, cleanliness, and proper placement, you’ve come to the right place.
At The Hen House Collection, we offer a wide range of chicken coops in various sizes, built to accommodate any number of chickens and designed with local regulations in mind. You’ll also find helpful features like predator-proof doors and attached runs to keep your chickens safe and make daily care easier.
Browse our selection or request a quote for a custom coop tailored to your needs. New to backyard chickens? We have a variety of resources to help you get started, including tips on coop cleaning, choosing the best egg-laying breeds, and more.
