Top 10 Mississippi Cities That Allow Backyard Chickens

Backyard chickens are legal to own in many Mississippi cities but not in some. So whether or not you can have backyard chickens in Mississippi depends on where you live. It also depends on whether you live in an agricultural area or a residential area. In cities where chickens are permitted, some rules and regulations must be adhered to. To find out whether chickens are allowed where you live, contact your local animal control or city clerk's office. Meanwhile, here are ten Mississippi municipalities wherein you can have backyard chickens.

1. Gulfport, MS

The keeping of chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, pigeons, and peafowl is legal in Gulfport, Mississippi. You may keep no more than 2 of those birds without a permit, according to the city code. The keeping of more than 2 chickens or other domestic birds requires an enclosed area that is at least 300 feet away from any adjoining property line, or a permit from the chief of police and animal officer.

2. Southaven, MS

In any area zoned other than agricultural in the city of Southaven, MS, chickens must not be kept within 250 feet of any building used as a residence. This rule applies to both your residence and any residence on an adjacent property. Southaven's Animal Code requires chickens to be kept in a secure fence/cage system. These structures must be so secure as to not allow chickens to roam from your property.

3. Biloxi, MS

It is legal to keep chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, pigeons, and Guineafowls in the city of Biloxi, Mississippi. Without a permit, you're limited to 2 chickens or other domestic birds. To exceed this limit, your chicken coop must be located 150 feet from any adjoining property line. Alternatively, you may obtain a special permit from the city to own more than 2 chickens. The city code prohibits all chicken owners from allowing their birds to roam outside their property.

4. Tupelo, MS

In any area of the city of Tupelo zoned for residential or business purposes, an open area of at least one acre is required to keep backyard chickens. According to the city code, the area wherein chickens are kept must not be located within two 250 feet of any residence. You must keep your birds penned in such a manner as to restrict their movement completely to the penned area. Furthermore, such penned area must not exceed 200 square feet in size nor be kept in an unsanitary condition.

5. Meridian, MS

You may have backyard chickens in Meridian, MS, provided you do not keep your chickens coop within 100 feet of any residential building, as required by the Meridian Municipal Code. Other domestic birds you can legally own in the city include ducks, geese, and turkeys. However, it's unlawful to permit your chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, or other domestic fowl to run at large within the limits of the city.

6. Pearl, MS

The City of Pearl allows a maximum of 2 chickens, ducks, turkeys, or geese to be kept without a permit. To exceed this limit, your chicken enclosure must be located 150 feet from any property line adjoining yours. Alternatively, you can obtain a special permit from the community development department to exceed this limit. You must not allow your birds to roam outside your property, according to the Pearl City Code.

7. Madison, MS

Raising backyard chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, or other fowl is allowed in Madison, Mississippi. As per the city's official zoning ordinance, you may keep no more than 2 chickens or other domestic birds on any lot without a permit. If you wish to have more than 2 chickens, you must keep them at least 200 feet from any adjoining property line or existing/proposed street right-of-way line.

8. Greenville, MS

You may keep chickens in your backyard if you reside in Greenville, Mississippi. The City Code does not restrict the number and type of chickens you can keep. However, it does make it unlawful for you to keep chickens in such condition as to be a nuisance. The City Code requires chicken coops and pens to be regularly cleaned to prevent the creation of offensive or unwholesome smells. Furthermore, you must not permit your chickens to run at large within the city limits of Greenville.

9. Clinton, MS

In Clinton, Mississippi, you are not allowed to keep more than 2 chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, or other domestic birds without a permit. The only exception to this rule is if your chicken coop is located 150 feet from any adjoining property line, in which case you more keep more than 2 chickens. Otherwise, you need to obtain a special permit from the city to exceed the 2-chicken-per-property limit. The Clinton Animal Code prohibits you from allowing your chickens to roam outside your property.

10. Brandon, MS

A special permit is required to keep more than 2 chickens in Brandon, Mississippi. However, you don't need a permit to own more than 2 chickens, provided you keep your chicken enclosure 150 feet from any adjoining property line. The City Code requires that you prevent your chickens from leaving your property.