Backyard chickens in Alpharetta, Georgia
Everything you need to know before you start a backyard flock in Alpharetta – the rules, the climate and the neighbors with teeth.
Can you keep chickens in Alpharetta?
Thinking about raising backyard hens in Alpharetta, Georgia? The city allows small flocks of chickens on qualifying larger residential lots, with clear rules on flock size, roosters, and coop placement. Here's what Peggy's Happy Chickens found in the local ordinance.
Yes – with conditions
Yes. The City of Alpharetta amended its Unified Development Code (Ordinance No. 800) to allow backyard chickens as an accessory use. Chickens are permitted on residential lots of at least one acre with a single-family detached dwelling, in any residential zoning district (originally limited to AG, RE, R, R-22 and R-15 districts, later expanded to all residential districts of 1+ acre).
Up to six hens may be kept; roosters are prohibited. Coops and other associated structures must maintain a minimum 25-foot setback from rear and side property lines.
The rules at a glance
- Hens in city limits
- Allowed
- How many hens
- 6
- Roosters
- No
- Permit required
- Not specified
- Setback from property line
- 25 ft.
Peggy knows Alpharetta
The rules, straight from the municipal code.
- Chickens are allowed only as an accessory use on residential lots of 1 acre or more with a single-family detached dwelling.
- Maximum of 6 hens per property; roosters are not permitted.
- Coops and associated structures must be set back at least 25 feet from rear and side property lines.
- Regulations were first adopted for agricultural and select residential zones in 2020, then broadened in July 2021 to cover any residentially-zoned tract of 1 acre or more.
Where this comes from
Keeping a flock happy in Alpharetta
🌡️ Climate
USDA Hardiness Zone 7b/8a - Humid Subtropical
Alpharetta sits in the Georgia Piedmont with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Coops should prioritize ventilation and shade in summer, while winter cold snaps are usually brief and mild, requiring only basic draft protection.
🦝 Who's after your hens
Alpharetta's wooded suburban lots back up to greenspace and creeks, making hawks, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, opossums, and snakes common threats to backyard flocks. Secure, fully enclosed coops with buried hardware cloth are recommended.
🐔 Breeds that do well here
Rhode Island Red, Buff Orpington, Plymouth Rock, Australorp, Easter Egger
Our package comes with two Rhode Island Reds – hardy in heat and cold, and friendly with kids.
Questions people ask about Alpharetta
▸How many chickens can I keep in Alpharetta?
Up to six hens are allowed on a qualifying residential lot.
▸Are roosters allowed in Alpharetta?
No. Alpharetta's ordinance prohibits roosters on residential properties.
▸What is the minimum lot size for backyard chickens?
Your property must be at least one acre and have a single-family detached dwelling to keep chickens.
▸How far must a chicken coop be from property lines?
Coops and other chicken-keeping structures must be set back at least 25 feet from rear and side property lines.
▸Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Alpharetta?
Chicken-keeping was authorized through a zoning code amendment allowing it as an accessory use on qualifying lots; check with the City of Alpharetta Community Development / Code Enforcement Department to confirm any current application or inspection requirements before starting your flock.
City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Alpharetta or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked September 15, 2026.
Ready to start your own flock?
Everything arrives at your door – the coop, two Rhode Island Red hens, and all the gear in between.
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