Backyard Chickens in St. Peters, Missouri

Can you keep chickens in St. Peters?

Thinking about raising backyard hens in St. Peters, Missouri? The city allows hens — but with real restrictions: a one-acre minimum lot size, a required Hen Permit, an 8-hen cap, and strict coop/pen setback and buffering rules. No roosters are allowed anywhere in the city's residential districts. Here's everything you need to know before you start your flock.

Yes – with conditions

Yes, but only in a limited way. St. Peters permits keeping hens only (no roosters) in residential zoning districts, and only on lots of one (1) acre or more (§ 405.280(F)). A resident must first obtain a Hen Permit from the Health Manager before keeping hens (§ 205.106). A Hen Permit allows up to eight (8) hens total, and is only available for single-family residences occupied by the applicant — commercial lots do not qualify.

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: 8
Roosters: No
Permit required: Yes
Permit cost: $100
Setback from property line: 10 ft.

Peggy knows St. Peters

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Under § 405.280(F) of the St. Peters Municipal Code:

Hens may only be kept on residential lots of one (1) acre or more, in single-family residences, by the property occupant.
Only one coop/pen per lot is allowed, and it must be located in the rear yard only.
Coops must provide a minimum of 4 square feet per hen inside the coop; pens must provide a minimum of 10 square feet per hen outdoors, not to exceed 80 square feet total. Coops may not exceed 14 feet in height.
Minimum setbacks: 10 feet from all property lines, 25 feet from any neighboring residence (excluding sheds/garages/accessory buildings), and 10 feet from any stormwater swale or inlet.
Coops/pens must be buffered from view of adjacent rights-of-way and neighboring properties with a sight-proof fence or landscaping.
Manure must be removed/composted every 48 hours; no runoff onto adjoining property is allowed.
No slaughtering of hens on the property, no selling of eggs, and hens may not run at large.
A written acknowledgment from the property's Homeowners Association (or a statement that none exists) is required as part of the permit application, and neighbors within 75 feet must be notified by certified mail.
Permits are non-transferable to a new owner and require a non-refundable $100 fee plus a sketch plan and application (§ 405.280(F)(3)).

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in St. Peters

🌡️ Climate

USDA Hardiness Zone 6b/7a

St. Peters, Missouri has a humid continental climate with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Average summer highs reach the upper 80s°F, while winter can bring temperatures into the 20s°F. Coops should be ventilated for summer heat and insulated/wind-protected for winter cold, with attention to humidity control to prevent frostbite and respiratory issues in flocks.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkFoxCoyoteSnakeOpossumSkunk

St. Charles County/St. Peters-area flocks face pressure from common Missouri wildlife. Coyotes and foxes are active nocturnal hunters, hawks are daytime threats, and raccoons, opossums, and skunks are notorious for raiding coops at night and preying on eggs. Snakes may target eggs and young chicks. Secure, predator-proof coops and pens (as required by city code) are essential.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Cold-hardy, dual-purpose breeds do well in St. Peters' climate swings, such as Plymouth Rock, Wyandotte, Orpington, Australorp, 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 St. Peters

▸Can I keep chickens in St. Peters, MO if I don't have an acre of land?

No. City code requires a minimum lot size of one (1) acre to be eligible for a Hen Permit; smaller residential lots do not qualify (§ 405.280(F)).

▸Are roosters allowed in St. Peters?

No. Roosters may not be raised or housed in any chicken coop or pen on a residential property in St. Peters; only hens are permitted.

▸How many hens can I keep with a Hen Permit?

A Hen Permit allows a maximum of eight (8) hens total on a residential property, regardless of lot size.

▸Do I need approval from my Homeowners Association?

You don't need HOA approval, but the Hen Permit application requires written verification that your HOA has been notified of your intent to keep hens (or a statement that no HOA applies).

▸Can I sell eggs from my backyard hens?

No. City code explicitly prohibits selling eggs on the premises where hens are kept under a Hen Permit.

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with St. Peters or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked August 29, 2026.