Backyard Chickens in O'Fallon, Missouri

Can you keep chickens in O'Fallon?

Dreaming of fresh eggs in O'Fallon? Not so fast — under current City code, backyard chickens are largely off the table for typical subdivision homes. Here's what Peggy's Happy Chickens found when we dug into O'Fallon's actual ordinance.

Not straightforward

In O'Fallon, Missouri, keeping backyard chickens (or any poultry) is not permitted on typical residential/subdivision lots. The City's Animal Control Code states: "The keeping of farm animals, cattle, swine, sheep, horses, goats, and poultry is permissible only in agricultural zoning districts where and as may be permitted pursuant to applicable zoning regulations" (§ 210.170). Because O'Fallon is, in the words of a City Councilmember during a 2021 review of the ordinance, no longer 'a country atmosphere' and consists almost entirely of residentially-zoned subdivisions, only the small number of parcels that carry an agricultural zoning designation may legally keep chickens or other poultry. The City's Code Enforcement division also lists 'the keeping of animals and fowls in any area within the City' as a public nuisance category that can be enforced against non-compliant properties.

A 2014-2015 proposal to allow limited backyard poultry city-wide was debated by the City Council but was ultimately voted down 7-2, and a subsequent 2021 work-session review confirmed the agricultural-districts-only rule remains in effect. Residents on non-agricultural lots who want backyard chickens must either petition the City Council for a zoning/ordinance change or keep birds only if their property carries agricultural zoning.

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

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

Peggy knows O'Fallon

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Because poultry-keeping is confined to agriculturally-zoned parcels, the City's general Animal Control Code (Ch. 210) does not itself set out hen limits, coop setbacks, or permit fees for backyard flocks — those specifics would instead be governed by whatever agricultural zoning-district regulations apply to that particular parcel. Any animal keeping (poultry included) is still subject to the City's general nuisance rules, which prohibit noise disturbances and foul/obnoxious odors from animals (§ 210.030) and list 'the keeping of animals and fowls' as an enforceable public nuisance in non-permitted areas. Owners must also remove and properly dispose of animal waste to prevent flies, insects, or odor nuisances (§ 210.030(A)(8)).

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in O'Fallon

🌡️ Climate

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

O'Fallon, Missouri experiences hot, humid summers (frequently in the 90s°F) and cold winters that can dip well below freezing, with significant seasonal temperature swings typical of the St. Louis metro region. Any coop design (on qualifying agricultural property) should prioritize summer ventilation and shade as well as winter wind-blocking and insulation.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkFoxCoyoteOpossum

Suburban St. Charles County wildlife commonly includes raccoons, red-tailed hawks, foxes, coyotes, and opossums, all of which can threaten unsecured flocks. Predator-proof, fully-enclosed runs with secure roofing/wire are especially important for any chickens kept on qualifying agricultural parcels near greenbelts, creeks, or wooded lots.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Cold-and-heat-tolerant dual-purpose breeds such as Plymouth Rock, Rhode Island Red, Wyandotte, Orpington, and Australorp tend to do well given Missouri's wide seasonal temperature swings.

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

Questions people ask about O'Fallon

▸Can I keep chickens in my O'Fallon, MO backyard?

Generally, no. City code § 210.170 restricts the keeping of poultry (along with cattle, swine, sheep, horses, and goats) to properties zoned agricultural. Since most O'Fallon homes are in residential subdivisions, backyard chickens are not legally permitted on those lots.

▸Has O'Fallon ever considered allowing backyard chickens city-wide?

Yes. A proposed ordinance to allow limited backyard poultry was debated by the City Council but was defeated by a 7-2 vote, and the issue was revisited in a 2021 City Council work session, which again confirmed poultry remains restricted to agricultural zoning districts.

▸What happens if I keep chickens on a residential lot in O'Fallon anyway?

The City's Code Enforcement Division lists 'the keeping of animals and fowls' outside permitted areas as a public nuisance violation, which can result in enforcement action and Municipal Court proceedings for unresolved violations.

▸Are there any O'Fallon properties where chickens are allowed?

Only properties carrying an agricultural zoning designation may keep poultry, 'where and as may be permitted pursuant to applicable zoning regulations.' These parcels are limited, as the City is described as 'extensively urbanized' with only a few agriculturally zoned areas remaining.

▸Do neighboring cities near O'Fallon allow backyard chickens?

Rules vary widely nearby — for example, St. Charles allows domesticated poultry with a coop setback of at least 50 feet from any property line, while St. Peters only allows chickens in connection with a farming operation, and Chesterfield/Ballwin require at least 2 acres.

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with O'Fallon or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked August 27, 2026.