Backyard Chickens in Blue Springs, Missouri

Can you keep chickens in Blue Springs?

Blue Springs, Missouri became one of the last cities in Jackson County to legalize backyard hens after a multi-year citizen campaign, with the new ordinance taking effect September 16, 2025. Residents of single-family homes can now keep up to six hens with a free city permit, though roosters, ducks' male counterparts, and other fowl remain off-limits, and strict coop placement and construction rules apply.

Yes – with conditions

Yes. As of September 16, 2025, Blue Springs allows the keeping of backyard hens under Section 215.127 of the City Code of Ordinances (Ordinance No. 5421). Hens (and female ducks) are permitted on single-family residential properties, or on agricultural properties under three acres used for residential purposes, provided the owner obtains a Backyard Hen Permit from the City. Roosters and other fowl such as peacocks, turkeys, and guineas are explicitly not permitted.

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: 6
Roosters: No
Permit required: Yes
Permit cost: Not specified
Setback from property line: 10 ft.

Peggy knows Blue Springs

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Under Section 215.127 of the Blue Springs Code of Ordinances:

Backyard hens must be kept in an enclosure or fenced area at all times; hens may free-range in a securely fenced yard during daylight hours only if supervised, and must be secured in a coop or tractor overnight (§215.127.F).
Coops/pens must be located at least 10 feet from the property line and at least 40 feet from any adjacent residential dwelling, church, school, or place of business (§215.127.H).
Coop/tractor size must be a minimum of 2 sq. ft. and maximum of 4 sq. ft. per hen, with an interior roosting height of at least 2 feet and an exterior height not exceeding 8 feet (§215.127.I).
Coops must be enclosed on all sides with a roof and lockable doors, and any windows/vents must be covered with predator- and bird-proof wire with openings smaller than one inch (§215.127.F.5).
No coop, tractor, or pen may be placed in a property's frontage area (§215.127.H.1).
Enclosures must be uniform in construction material (no scrap, waste board, or sheet metal) and impervious to moisture (§215.127.G).
No commercial breeding or fertilizer production is allowed, and no more than 3 cubic feet of manure may be stored on site at a time, in a fully enclosed, covered structure (§215.127.E, N).
Odors and noise from hens must not be perceptible/disturbing at property boundaries (§215.127.K).
Note: Subparts limiting hen number/type, size, and location (D, I) do not apply if hens are kept 400+ feet from any other inhabitant's residence (§215.127.D.3, I.6).
Permits are free, non-transferable, and valid in perpetuity as long as the property remains compliant; violations can result in permit revocation and enforcement action (§215.127.P).
Properties in HOAs may have additional restrictions beyond the city ordinance.

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Blue Springs

🌡️ Climate

USDA Hardiness Zone 6b/7a (Humid Continental)

Blue Springs, Missouri experiences hot, humid summers and cold winters, with average highs in the upper 80s°F in July and lows in the low 20s°F in January. Coops should provide good ventilation and shade for summer heat while offering draft-free, insulated shelter for winter cold, consistent with the ordinance's requirement for adequate ventilation, sun, and shade.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkCoyoteSnakeOpossum

Missouri's growing urban and suburban raccoon population makes raccoons a especially persistent threat to backyard flocks, and they are known to raid coops and kill poultry. Hawks, including red-tailed and Cooper's hawks, are also common daytime predators of backyard chickens in the region, while coyotes, snakes, and opossums pose additional risks to eggs, chicks, and adult birds. The city ordinance itself requires coops to be impermeable to rodents, wild birds and predators as a legal safeguard.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Cold-hardy, dual-purpose breeds that also tolerate humid summer heat do best in this climate, such as Plymouth Rock, Wyandotte, Australorp, Orpington, and Rhode Island Red.

Our package comes with two Rhode Island Reds – hardy in heat and cold, and friendly with kids.

Questions people ask about Blue Springs

▸How many chickens can I have in Blue Springs?

Up to six (6) backyard hens are allowed per tract of land, regardless of how many dwelling units are on the property, under Section 215.127.D of the City Code.

▸Are roosters allowed in Blue Springs?

No. The ordinance's definition of 'Backyard Hen' explicitly excludes male chickens (roosters) and other fowl such as peacocks, turkeys, guineas, and waterfowl (other than female ducks).

▸Do I need a permit to keep hens in Blue Springs?

Yes, a Backyard Hen Permit must be obtained from the City before keeping hens. The permit is free, non-transferable, and remains valid in perpetuity as long as the property stays in compliance with the ordinance.

▸How far must a chicken coop be from my property line in Blue Springs?

Coops, tractors, and pens must be located at least 10 feet from the property line and at least 40 feet from any adjacent residential dwelling, church, school, or place of business, per Section 215.127.H.

▸Can I keep chickens if I live in a duplex or apartment in Blue Springs?

No. The ordinance limits backyard hens to single-family residential properties, or agricultural properties under three acres used for residential purposes; residents of duplexes or apartments are not eligible.

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Blue Springs or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked September 19, 2026.