Backyard Chickens in Conway, South Carolina

Can you keep chickens in Conway?

Thinking about backyard chickens in Conway, South Carolina? Before you build a coop, it's important to know that Conway's rules are more restrictive than many nearby Grand Strand communities — chicken-keeping is generally limited to agriculturally zoned property rather than typical residential lots.

Not straightforward

In most of the City of Conway, keeping backyard chickens is not permitted. According to city planning officials, chickens are allowed only in the city's Forest Agriculture (FA) and Rural Agriculture (RA) zoning districts — they are not permitted in single-family residential or (with a narrow school-only exception) institutional districts. A more recent review of South Carolina municipal chicken rules confirms this remains the case: the City of Conway does not permit chickens unless your property is zoned agricultural.

The city has, at times, considered expanding chicken-keeping into low- and medium-density residential zones (R, R1, R2), but those proposals were tied to specific pending ordinance changes and public reporting does not confirm they were ultimately adopted city-wide. Unless your property carries an agricultural zoning designation, residents should assume chickens are prohibited and confirm current zoning status with the Conway Planning & Development Department before acquiring birds.

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Restricted
How many hens: Not Allowed
Roosters: No
Permit required: Not specified
Setback from property line: Not specified

Peggy knows Conway

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Because backyard chicken-keeping is restricted to agriculturally-zoned parcels in Conway, general coop/setback rules for residential lots have not been codified for city-wide residential use. On parcels zoned Forest Agriculture (FA) or Rural Agriculture (RA), fowl are permitted, but keepers should still confirm current setback, enclosure, and sanitation expectations with the city's Planning & Development Department. Historically, when the city has drafted residential chicken ordinances, the proposals have included requirements that birds be kept in a coop or pen at all times, that roosters and breeding be prohibited, and that the area be kept in a clean and healthy condition — but these residential provisions have not been confirmed as adopted, city-wide law.

Note: an exception exists for Conway High School, which was permitted in 2017 to keep chickens on campus as part of its agricultural education program — this does not extend to private residences.

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Conway

🌡️ Climate

Humid Subtropical (Köppen Cfa)

Conway, South Carolina sits in the humid subtropical coastal plain of the Pee Dee/Grand Strand region, with hot, humid summers, mild winters, and heavy seasonal rainfall including tropical storm risk in late summer and fall. Chicken keepers (on qualifying agricultural parcels) should prioritize shade, ventilation, and good coop drainage to handle high humidity and heat, plus secure, elevated housing to manage flooding risk during hurricane season.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkFoxCoyoteSnakeOpossum

Coastal Horry County's mix of woodlands, wetlands, and suburban-rural fringe supports healthy populations of raccoons, foxes, coyotes, birds of prey, snakes, and opossums, all of which can threaten unsecured flocks. Predator-proof, fully enclosed housing with buried hardware cloth and secure overnight locking is strongly recommended for any legally-kept flock.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Heat-tolerant breeds such as Leghorns, Easter Eggers, Rhode Island Reds, and Australorps generally do well in Conway's hot, humid climate.

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

Questions people ask about Conway

▸Can I keep chickens in my backyard in Conway, SC?

Generally, no. Reporting on Conway's zoning rules indicates the city does not permit chickens unless your property carries an agricultural zoning designation (Forest Agriculture or Rural Agriculture); chickens are not permitted in standard single-family residential districts.

▸Has Conway considered allowing chickens in residential neighborhoods?

Yes. City officials and the Planning Commission have discussed and drafted proposals (including one in 2023) that would have allowed up to six or more hens in certain low- and medium-density residential zones, but available public reporting does not confirm these residential allowances were ultimately enacted city-wide.

▸Are roosters allowed in Conway?

No. Every version of Conway's chicken proposals and current residential restrictions has excluded roosters, and since chickens generally aren't permitted outside agricultural zoning, roosters are not allowed for typical residential properties.

▸What happens if I keep chickens illegally in Conway?

Historically, city officials have cited illegally-kept chickens with fines reported as high as $1,100 per day, though enforcement has typically involved requiring residents to remove their birds rather than levying fines.

▸Where can I confirm my property's zoning and whether chickens are allowed?

Contact the City of Conway Planning & Development Department directly to confirm your property's zoning designation and the current chicken-keeping rules that apply to it.

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Conway or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked September 28, 2026.