Backyard Chickens in Roeland Park, Kansas

Can you keep chickens in Roeland Park?

Thinking about starting a backyard flock in Roeland Park, Kansas? Good news — the city allows hens with a permit. Here's what Peggy's Happy Chickens found when we checked the City's own rules.

Yes – with conditions

Yes. The City of Roeland Park allows residents to keep backyard hens, but only after obtaining a permit from the City. Per the City's official chicken-keeping rules, any person wishing to keep chickens must obtain a permit from the City prior to acquiring chickens, and no more than six female chickens are allowed per tract of land, regardless of how many dwelling units are on that tract.

The ordinance was originally adopted by the Roeland Park City Council in February 2011 after resident advocacy, and it continues to govern chicken-keeping in the city today.

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: 6
Roosters: No
Permit required: Yes
Permit cost: $100
Setback from property line: 40 ft.

Peggy knows Roeland Park

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

A City permit must be obtained BEFORE acquiring any chickens — the City's page is explicit that "any person wishing to keep chickens in the City of Roeland Park must obtain a permit from the City prior to acquiring chickens."
Maximum flock size is six (6) female chickens per tract of land, no matter how many dwelling units sit on that tract — roosters are not part of the permitted (female-only) flock.
According to a first-hand account from a Roeland Park resident who helped pass the ordinance, coops/chickens must be kept at least 40 feet from a neighboring dwelling, and the original permit process required a comprehensive application plus a fee (reported at the time as roughly $100 to apply, with a $75 annual renewal). Because ordinance fee schedules can be updated by City Council over time, applicants should confirm the current fee directly with City Hall before applying.
Permits can be paid for in person or online at City Hall (an online convenience fee applies for card payments).

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Roeland Park

🌡️ Climate

USDA Hardiness Zone 6b

Roeland Park sits in the Kansas City metro area and experiences a humid continental climate with hot, humid summers (often in the 90s°F) and cold winters that regularly dip below freezing with occasional snow. Coops should be insulated or draft-free for winter and well-ventilated with shade access for summer heat.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkFoxCoyoteOpossum

Suburban Johnson County yards commonly see raccoons and opossums raiding coops at night, red-tailed hawks and other birds of prey during the day, and foxes or coyotes passing through greenbelts and creek corridors near residential areas. Secure, fully-enclosed runs with hardware cloth (not chicken wire) and a lockable coop door are strongly recommended.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Plymouth Rock, Orpington, Wyandotte, Australorp, Rhode Island Red

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

Questions people ask about Roeland Park

▸How many chickens can I keep in Roeland Park?

Up to six female chickens (hens) are allowed per tract of land, regardless of how many dwelling units are on that property, per the City's official chicken-keeping page.

▸Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Roeland Park?

Yes. The City requires anyone wishing to keep chickens to obtain a permit from the City before acquiring any birds.

▸Are roosters allowed in Roeland Park?

No. The ordinance specifically limits households to female chickens (hens) only — up to six per tract of land — so roosters are not part of the permitted flock.

▸How far must my coop be from my neighbor's house?

According to accounts from residents involved in passing the ordinance, coops must be kept at least 40 feet from a neighboring dwelling. Confirm the exact current setback with City Hall, since fee and distance details can be updated over time.

▸How much does a Roeland Park chicken permit cost?

When the ordinance was first adopted, applicants reported an application fee of around $100 plus a $75 annual renewal fee. Because municipal fee schedules can change, verify the current cost with Roeland Park City Hall before applying.

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Roeland Park or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked September 22, 2026.