Catoosa County allows hens on residential properties

Chicken Coop, (Courtesy: MGN)

CATOOSA COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) — Catoosa County residents will be able to have backyard chickens for personal use. Commissioners made the approval on Tuesday.

Female chickens, or hens, are now allowed in most unincorporated residential areas.

Commissioners made this change to the county’s Unified Development Code.

Residents can have up to eight chickens on properties up to one acre. They may have up to 12 chickens on properties over an acre.

However, they must keep these chickens within enclosed coops or runs.

These areas must also be in the property’s backyard. Chickens cannot wander onto neighboring property.

Chickens are not allowed on duplex, triplex or apartment complexes either.

Coops must be kept at least 25 feet away from property lines and 50 feet away from neighboring houses and businesses.

Residents must keep these areas clean, and keep their chickens fed and watered.

Private residential restrictions for keeping chickens are still in effect, including HOA rules.

Additionally, homeowners on three or more acres may rezone their property to agriculture for free within the next six months.