Top 10 Ohio Cities That Allow Backyard Chickens

Many Ohio cities allow residents to keep chickens in their backyards for personal use. But in some cities, the keeping of chickens is prohibited. According to Ohio State University, a city that bans the keeping of chickens does not violate the federal or state constitutions. So whether or not you can own chickens depends on where you live in Ohio. To determine whether chicken keeping is permitted where you live, call your local animal control or city clerk's office.

In cities where urban chicken keeping is legal, there are restrictions on the number and type of chickens you may own. Be sure to check your city's chicken-keeping rules and regulations before acquiring any chickens. Subject to specific regulations, backyard chickens are allowed in these Ohio municipalities.

1. Columbus, OH

You can keep chickens in your backyard in Columbus, OH. However, you can't do so without first obtaining a Domestic Animal Permit from the Columbus Public Health. Other domestic birds that need a permit in Columbus include turkeys, quails, partridges, and ducks. According to the Franklin County Code, no more than 4 chickens (hens only) may be kept on lots smaller than 0.5 acres. On a lot of 0.5 acres to less than 1 acre, a maximum of 8 hens may be kept. Up to 16 hens may be kept on lots of 1 acre to less than 2.5 acres. A maximum of 24 hens may be kept on lots of 2.5 acres to 5.0 acres. The keeping of roosters, geese, peafowl, or turkeys is permitted on lots of 5 acres or greater.

2. Cleveland, OH

In Cleveland, OH, the keeping of backyard chickens and ducks is permitted in both Residential and Non-Residential Districts. Per the city's Zoning Code, one hen or duck is allowed for each 800 square feet of parcel or lot area in Residential Districts. No more than a total of 6 hens or ducks may be kept on a standard residential lot of 4,800 square feet. To keep roosters, geese, or turkeys in a Residential District, you need a parcel that is at least one acre in area. In addition, your chicken coop must be located at least 100 feet from all property lines. In Non-Residential Districts, the keeping of chickens and ducks is limited to one bird for each 400 square feet of lot area.

3. Cincinnati, OH

The keeping of backyard chickens for non-commercial purposes is allowed within the city limits of Cincinnati. The City Code requires that you keep your chicken enclosure clean to minimize smells. Your chicken enclosure must be so secure as to protect the birds from predators and prevent them from running at large. You must not fail to provide your chickens with proper food, water, or sanitation. Furthermore, you must not use any newly hatched chick as a toy or pet.

4. Toledo, OH

For each single-family dwelling in the City of Toledo, a maximum of 6 chickens is allowed. The City's municipal code doesn't allow the keeping of roosters. You may only keep 6 hens in a backyard coop, which is subject to a 25-foot setback from any adjacent premises. Additionally, your chicken coop must not be located within 5 feet of a side-yard lot line, nor within 18 inches of a rear-yard lot line. To prevent the accumulation of waste, you're required to clean your coop and outdoor enclosure regularly. You may slaughter chickens but you must keep it away from prying eyes. A chicken-keeping permit is not required if those conditions are met.

5. Akron, OH

In Akron, OH, you may own backyard chickens without a permit, as long as you don't keep them within 100 feet of any dwelling. The number or type of chicken you can keep isn't restricted, provided you don't violate that condition. However, you must not permit your birds to run at large on any public ground or upon the private property of another. Visit the City of Akron's Code of Ordinances for additional info.

6. Canton, OH

You may keep chickens in your residential backyard in Canton, OH, and you don't need a permit to do so. However, the City Code requires that you keep your chicken enclosure more than 50 feet away from any building used as a residence. Otherwise, you may be guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

7. Springfield Township, OH

The keeping of chickens is permitted in all residential districts within Springfield Township, OH. However, prior to the keeping of chickens, you have to obtain a zoning certificate (permit). This permit allows you to keep no more than 10 chickens, excluding roosters, in your backyard. Chicken coops and runs must be kept in the rear yard and at least 20 feet from all property lines and 10 feet from the principal structure. The slaughtering of chickens is prohibited in residential districts, according to the Township's website.

8. Lakewood, OH

In Lakewood, OH, backyard chickens may be kept in the R1 Residential Single-Family, or R2 Residential Single- and Two-Family Districts. You may keep hens only but before the keeping of hens may occur, you must obtain a permit from the Director of Public Safety. By ordinance, you're allowed to keep no more than 6 hens only for personal use. The keeping of hens isn't permitted on lots containing more than three dwelling units.

9. Euclid, OH

The City of Euclid allows backyard chickens on any lot in a Residential District exceeding 4,000 square feet of gross lot area. For every 250 square feet of lot area, one chicken is allowed, up to a maximum of 12 chickens. The City Code prohibits the keeping of roosters as well as other domestic birds including geese and turkeys. You may slaughter hens for personal consumption on-site only if within an enclosed garage.

10. Strongsville, OH

Under certain conditions, you may keep chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese in Strongsville, OH. The City Code allows as many as 12 chickens (hens only) per property that is at least 20,000 square feet in area. On a property of one acre, a maximum of 24 hens may be kept.