If you are planning on raising chickens in your backyard in the state of Ohio, this article might point you in the right direction regarding whether or not the keeping of backyard chickens is allowed in your county or city, as well as the number of chickens you are allowed to keep. In addition, you will also find other Ohio chicken-keeping laws such as the size and placement of coops. So, where in The Buckeye State is the keeping of backyard chickens permitted?
Franklin County, OH
The city of Columbus, the county seat of Franklin County, allows its residents to keep chickens in their backyards. Columbus does not allow roosters. However, you should contact your local zoning office to check if chickens are allowed where you live and the number of chickens allowed per property.
Generally, Franklin County allows the keeping of backyard chickens with a certificate of zoning compliance. Franklin County law requires that all chickens be kept in a coop/pen or fenced outdoor area at all times. In addition, chicken coops must be located in a side or rear yard and at least 10 feet from any property line.
The City of Hilliard allows its residents to keep up to six backyard chickens, excluding roosters, on properties that are at least one-half acre. In the City of Gahanna, chickens are allowed so long as they are kept in sanitary conditions and do not create offensive odors or excessive noise.
Cuyahoga County, OH
In Cuyahoga County, the city of Cleveland allows the keeping of up to 6 backyard chickens in both residential and non-residential districts. Cleveland prohibits the keeping of roosters. Chickens coops must not exceed fifteen feet in height and must be located at least one hundred feet away from all property lines.
The City of Lakewood requires that its residents apply for and obtain a Henkeeping Permit to keep backyard hens. The permit fee is $25 and can be issued for a three-year period. Up to four backyard hens are allowed in the city of Euclid.
The city of Strongsville allows up to 12 chickens on properties that are at least 20,000 square feet in area and up to 24 chickens on properties of more than 1 acre. Strongsville City does not allow the keeping of roosters.
A maximum of four 4 chickens, excluding roosters, are allowed per property in the city of Cleveland Heights. Chicken coops must be located in the rear yard and 10 feet away from any nearby residence. However, Cleveland Heights residents must apply for and obtain a Conditional Use Permit from the Zoning Administrator before keeping any chickens.
Other cities in Cuyahoga County, OH, that allows backyard chickens include but aren't limited to:
- Westlake
- North Olmsted: Up to 10 chickens
- Garfield Heights
- Solon: Up to 20 chickens
- South Euclid
Hamilton County, OH
In Hamilton County, OH, the City of Cincinnati allows the keeping of up to 6 hens so long as they are kept in clean conditions and are not permitted to run at large. Norwood residents are required to obtain a permit from the Health Department before keeping any chickens. A maximum of 10 chickens, excluding roosters, is permitted in Springfield Township.
Summit County, OH
In Summit County, OH, the city of Akron allows chickens but not roosters. All chicken coops must be located at least 100 feet away from neighboring residences. Up to four backyard chickens are permitted in the city of Cuyahoga Falls. The city of Stow does regulate the keeping of backyard chickens.
The city of Hudson allows no more than 12 chickens per property.
Montgomery County, OH
In Montgomery County, OH, the city of Riverside permits the keeping of backyard chickens in single-family homes. Centerville residents can keep up to six chickens with a $10 permit. A maximum of 6 hens are allowed per property in the city of Miamisburg. Other cities that allow backyard chickens in Montgomery County, OH, include but are not limited to:
- Vandalia
- Clayton
- West Carrollton
Lucas County, OH
A few cities in Lucas County, OH, allow the keeping of backyard chickens. In the city of Toledo, residents are allowed to keep a maximum of 6 hens in single-family dwellings. Chicken coops in Toledo must be kept at least 25 feet away from nearby buildings and in a sanitary condition and free from offensive odors.
Other Ohio Cities That Allow Backyard Chickens
- Oxford, Butler County
- North Canton, Stark County
- Massillon, Stark County
- Elyria, Lorain County
- Lebanon, Warren County
- Mentor, Lake County
- Willoughby, Lake County
- Youngstown, Mahoning County
- Warren, Trumbull County
- Brunswick, Medina County
- Medina, Medina County
