Indiana Backyard Chicken Laws: Permits, Limits & County Impact

Indiana Predator Gauntlet: From Coyotes to Raccoons

Indiana's mix of urban suburbs and rural fields brings common threats like raccoons in cities to coyotes in rural areas. Protect against avian flu and disease with strong biosecurity.

• Urban invaders: Raccoons and opossums that open latches and reach through wire.
• Rural raiders: Coyotes and foxes that dig under fences.
• Aerial assassins: Hawks and owls striking from above.
• Indiana twist: Skunks, snakes, and groundhogs in coops or runs.

Indiana-tough coop essentials: Quarter-inch hardware cloth (not chicken wire), buried aprons 18 inches deep, raccoon-proof latches, hawk netting overhead. Elevate feed; clean regularly to reduce odors and disease risk.

Indiana State Rules & Biosecurity Breakdown

The Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) focuses on poultry health, traceability, and biosecurity; no statewide flock limits exist. Local city and county codes govern backyard keeping.

• BOAH Resource: Indiana Small Flock & Exhibition Poultry page — maintain 3-year records, encouraged registration, biosecurity practices.
• Biosecurity Push: Report sick birds immediately; Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) required for imports.
• Rooster Rules: Local only; often banned in residential zones due to noise.

No statewide preemption; always check local ordinances and HOA rules.

HOA vs. Local Laws: Indiana's Backyard Battlefield

Indiana gives HOAs full power to override city or county rules. Even if your local zoning allows chickens, your HOA covenants can ban them completely — or add stricter limits on flock size, setbacks, or roosters.

Key Indiana Tactic: Search your property records for CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions) before buying chicks or building a coop. If the HOA rules are outdated or overly restrictive, some communities allow challenges through board votes or legal review — but success is rare.

The HOA Override: Still King in the Hoosier State

⚠️ Covenants Beat Cities & State. HOAs can prohibit chickens outright, limit flock size, ban roosters, or require screening/setbacks even when the city says yes. Always review your HOA documents first — they are the highest authority for backyard poultry in Indiana.

Indiana Permits: Local Rules Vary, Nuisance Is Key

Most Indiana cities and counties do not require a permit for small backyard flocks (typically 6–12 hens). Where permits exist, fees are usually low ($0–$50) and focus on sanitation, setbacks, and neighbor nuisance prevention rather than flock size.

Indiana Chicken Paperwork Hotspots:

• City Permits: Free to $20 in places like Bloomington (free permit) and South Bend (permit required, low fee). Most major cities (Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, Carmel) require no permit for small flocks.
• Zoning Variance: Needed for reduced setbacks or exceptions in some zones (e.g., closer than standard distance to neighbors).
• Nuisance Enforcement: The real trigger — even without a permit, excessive noise, odor, or unsanitary conditions can lead to fines or removal orders from local animal control or health departments.

Always check your city or county code and HOA — local nuisance rules (noise, smell, waste) are the most common enforcement point in Indiana.

Selling Backyard Eggs in Indiana

Indiana allows small-scale backyard producers to sell fresh shell eggs directly to consumers under the state's cottage food laws. Very small operations (typically under a few dozen dozen eggs per month) are generally exempt from licensing and labeling requirements when sold direct from the farm or similar venues, but all sellers must follow basic sanitation and temperature rules.

• Licensing: Not required for very small direct sales; larger or indirect sales need an Indiana Department of Agriculture (IDOA) egg dealer registration or food establishment permit.
• Direct Sales: Allowed from your property, farmers' markets, farm stands, or community events. Eggs must be from your own flock and handled under sanitary conditions.
• Labeling & Handling: Eggs must be refrigerated (below 45°F), cleaned/sanitized, and labeled with producer name/address, quantity, "keep refrigerated," pack date, and any applicable grade/size. Small direct sales may have relaxed marking rules if no commercial channels are used.
• Key Restrictions: No sales of eggs from caged hens (Indiana follows cage-free standards for commercial sales). No sales across state lines without federal compliance. Larger operations may fall under stricter IDOA or FDA rules.
• Pro Tip: For small backyard sales, start with direct-to-consumer only and keep records of flock size/handling. Always check local county or city rules for extra requirements.

Indiana State Poultry Slaughter Rules

Under Indiana regulations (aligned with the federal USDA Poultry Products Inspection Act — PPIA), backyard poultry owners follow these specific guidelines:

• Personal Use: Fully Exempt. You may slaughter birds you raised yourself for your own household, family, and non-paying guests without inspection, licensing, or state registration. This is a fundamental "Right to Farm" protection in Indiana, provided it is done in a sanitary manner.
• The 2026 "Homestead Vendor" Rule (HB 1424): Effective July 1, 2026, small farms and homesteaders with less than $1.5M in annual sales are recognized as "Homestead Vendors."
  • On-Farm Sales: You may sell poultry you raised and slaughtered on-farm directly to the end consumer (at the farm or a farmers' market).
  • Requirements: Meat must be frozen at the point of sale (if at a market) or refrigerated (if on-farm), and must bear a label stating it was produced at a facility exempt from inspection.
• Commercial/Retail Limits: You cannot sell home-slaughtered poultry to restaurants, grocery stores, or wholesalers. For those "Tier 2" sales, birds must be processed in a BOAH-inspected or USDA-inspected facility.
• Humane & Sanitary Standards: While exempt from daily inspection, you are not exempt from anti-cruelty laws. Indiana Code requires humane handling and proper waste disposal (offal must be buried, composted, or rendered—not tossed in standard trash).
• Nuisance & Zoning "Veto": Local ordinances are your biggest hurdle. Even if the state allows slaughter, a city (like South Whitley or Boonville) may prohibit "the act of slaughtering" if it is visible to neighbors or creates a smell/noise nuisance.

Pro-Tip: If you plan to sell even one bird, obtain a free Premises ID from BOAH. It is the primary requirement for legal "homestead" commerce in 2026.

Indiana Ordinances by City & County

All Indiana counties listed alphabetically below with major cities/towns and typical residential rules. Rules vary by exact municipality and zoning district — HOAs can override. Always verify with local planning or animal control for your address.

Adams County

• Cities/Towns: Berne, Decatur, Geneva, Monroe, Pleasant Mills, Preble, Vera Cruz
• Hens: Up to 6 hens
• Roosters: Prohibited in residential zones
• Setback: Rear yard only; standard accessory structure setbacks apply
• Permit: No permit required for small flocks
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Standard residential lots; no minimum acreage requirement

Allen County

• Cities/Towns (identical rules): Fort Wayne, Huntertown, Leo-Cedarville, New Haven, Zanesville
• Hens: Up to 6 hens
• Roosters: Prohibited in residential zones
• Setback: Rear yard only; standard accessory structure setbacks apply
• Permit: No permit required for small flocks
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Standard residential lots; no minimum acreage requirement

Bartholomew County

• Cities/Towns: Columbus, Edinburgh, Elizabethtown, Hope, Hartsville, St. Paul (partial), Taylorsville
• Hens: Up to 6 hens
• Roosters: Prohibited in residential zones
• Setback: Rear yard only; standard accessory structure setbacks apply
• Permit: No permit required for small flocks
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Standard residential lots; no minimum acreage requirement

Benton County

Fowler

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Permit: Not required.
• Setback: 10 feet from property lines; 25 feet from any neighbor's dwelling.

Oxford

• Hens: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Permit: Required.
• Setback: 15 feet from all property lines.

Boswell, Earl Park, & Ambia

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Discouraged/Prohibited if they cause a noise nuisance.
• Setback: 20 feet from neighboring dwellings.

Blackford County

Hartford City

• Hens: Up to 12 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Permit: Required.
• Setback: 10 feet from property lines.

Montpelier & Shamrock Lakes

• Hens: Prohibited

Boone County

• Cities/Towns: Advance, Jamestown, Lebanon, Thorntown, Whitestown, Zionsville
• Hens: Up to 6 hens
• Roosters: Prohibited in residential zones
• Setback: Rear yard only; standard accessory structure setbacks apply
• Permit: No permit required for small flocks
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Standard residential lots; no minimum acreage requirement

Brown County

Nashville

• Hens: Permitted (No strict numeric cap, but 4–6 is the standard residential guideline).
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Permit: Required (Application through the Town Administration).
• Setback: 20 feet from neighbors.

Carroll County

Delphi

• Status: Currently under review.

Burlington

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Permit: Required.
• The "75% Rule": Burlington has one of the unique requirements in the state—applicants must file a consent agreement signed by 75% of neighbors within 300 feet of the property.
• Setback: Coops must be 5 feet from property lines and at least 30 feet from any neighboring occupied structure.

Camden

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.

Flora

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Permit: Required.

Yeoman

• Hens: Permitted on lots over 3 acres.

Cass County

• Cities/Towns: Logansport, Royal Center, Walton, Onward, Galveston, Lucerne
• Hens: Up to 6 hens
• Roosters: Prohibited in residential zones
• Setback: Rear yard only; standard accessory structure setbacks apply
• Permit: No permit required for small flocks
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Standard residential lots; no minimum acreage requirement

Clark County

• Cities/Towns: Borden, Charlestown, Clarksville, Henryville, Memphis, Oak Park, Utica
• Hens: Up to 5 to 6 hens (non-commercial use)
• Roosters: Prohibited in platted subdivisions and most residential zones
• Setback: At least 20 feet from any adjacent property line and 40 feet from any neighboring dwelling
• Permit: No specific chicken permit required for small flocks
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Minimum 0.5 acres for keeping any livestock/fowl in non-agricultural zones

Jeffersonville

• Hens: Up to 6 hens
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited
• Setback: Coops must be in the rear yard, at least 10 feet from property lines and 20 feet from any neighboring residential structure
• Permit: Required. A one-time application with a small fee must be filed with Animal Control.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: No specific minimum acreage, but the property must be a single-family residence

Sellersburg

• Hens: Allowed only in Agricultural (AG) and R-1 (Low-Density Residential) zones; maximum of 6 hens in R-1
• Roosters: Prohibited in R-1 zones
• Setback: 15 feet from all property lines; coops must be located in the rear yard
• Permit: Required — residents must register their flock with the Town
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Minimum of 15,000 square feet required for R-1 chicken-keeping

Source: Sellersburg Town Ordinance 2014-010

Clay County

• Cities/Towns: Carbon, Center Point, Clay City, Harmony, Knightsville, Staunton
• Hens: Allowed; typically up to 5 to 6 hens for residential lots under 3 acres (non-commercial use)
• Roosters: Generally prohibited in town limits and platted residential subdivisions
• Setback: Coops must be at least 20 feet from any adjacent property line and 40 feet from any neighboring dwelling
• Permit: No town-specific permit required for most small rural towns; construction of a permanent coop may require a standard improvement location permit
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Minimum 0.5 to 1 acre recommended for livestock/fowl in non-agricultural zones, though smaller lots may be permitted if no nuisance is created

Brazil

• Hens: Up to 9 hens
• Roosters: Maximum of 1 rooster allowed (provided noise does not create a nuisance)
• Setback: Coops must be in the rear yard and meet all accessory structure setbacks for the specific zoning district; pens cannot be visible from public streets
• Permit: Required. Residents must submit a "Pen Permit" application to the Common Council, which includes a site plan and written approval from neighbors within a one-block radius
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage, but requires a minimum of 4 square feet of pen space per bird

Clinton County

• Cities/Towns: Colfax, Frankfort, Michigantown, Mulberry, Rossville
• Hens: Up to 6 hens
• Roosters: Prohibited in residential zones
• Setback: Rear yard only; must be at least 10 feet from property lines and 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling
• Permit: No specific chicken permit required; a Location Improvement Permit (LIP) from the Area Plan Commission may be required for permanent structures
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Standard residential lots; chickens are generally permitted in R-1 and R-2 districts

Kirklin

• Hens: Up to 6 chickens permitted in the R-3 district (note: this is a combined total limit; you cannot have 6 chickens AND 6 rabbits)
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited
• Setback: Coops must be 10 feet from property lines and cannot be placed between any structure and the road right-of-way (rear yard only)
• Permit: No permit required for the birds themselves, but coops must be cleaned regularly to avoid nuisance violations
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum acreage specified for the R-3 district for small flocks

Crawford County

English

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Permit: Required.
• Setback: 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling; rear yard only.

Marengo

• Status: Prohibited (on lots under 3 acres).

Milltown

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Permit: Required.
• Setback: 15 feet from property lines.

Leavenworth

• Hens: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.

Alton

• Hens: No hen limit).
• Roosters: Permitted.

Daviess County

• Cities/Towns: Alfordsville, Cannelburg, Elnora, Montgomery, Plainville
• Hens: Generally permitted for non-commercial use; follows the standard recommendation of up to 6 hens for residential lots.
• Roosters: Prohibited within town corporate limits to prevent noise nuisances.
• Setback: Coops must be located in the rear yard and positioned at least 20 feet from any neighboring residence.
• Permit: No specific "chicken permit" required for these smaller municipalities, though standard building codes apply to permanent structures.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: No strict minimum acreage for small backyard flocks, provided the area is kept sanitary.

Washington

• Hens: Generally prohibited in residentially zoned districts (R-1, R-2, R-3) unless the property is specifically zoned for agricultural use.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: N/A (due to prohibition in residential zones).
• Permit: N/A.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Livestock and poultry are reserved for Agricultural (A-1) districts, which typically require a 2-acre minimum for such uses.

Odon

• Hens: Permitted; up to 6 hens allowed per household.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops and enclosures must be at least 15 feet from all property lines.
• Permit: Not required, but the flock must be registered with the Indiana Board of Animal Health (BOAH) per state law.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Standard residential lots are permitted; no minimum acreage required.

Dearborn County

• Cities/Towns: Dillsboro, Greendale, St. Leon, West Harrison
• Hens: Generally permitted; small towns typically allow 4 to 6 hens on residential lots.
• Roosters: Prohibited within most town corporate limits.
• Setback: Minimum 15 to 20 feet from property lines. Note: Dillsboro maintains a strict 200-foot setback from neighboring dwellings for any "chicken area" unless a variance is granted.
• Permit: No specific county-wide chicken permit, but residents must comply with local "nuisance" and "sanitation" ordinances.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Most towns require at least 0.25 to 0.5 acres for poultry.

Aurora

• Hens: Up to 6 hens. (On lots over 20,000 sq. ft., up to 8 hens are permitted).
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be in the rear yard, 15 feet from property lines. Written neighbor consent is required to place a coop closer than 15 feet.
• Permit: Required. A one-time $40 fee and a site drawing must be submitted to the permit office.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Single-family residential properties only; no specific minimum acreage, but bird limits increase at the 20,000 sq. ft. mark.

Source: Aurora Code of Ordinances § 14-134

Lawrenceburg

• Hens: Maximum of 4 hens.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be 10 feet from property lines and at least 60 feet from any neighboring residential dwelling (reduced to 40 feet if a 6-foot opaque fence is present).
• Permit: Required. Residents must register with the City and provide an annual updated count of birds.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Limited to single-family parcels; chickens must be confined to the rear yard.

Source: Lawrenceburg Code of Ordinances § 90.01

Decatur County

• Cities/Towns: Millhousen, St. Paul
• Hens: Generally permitted for personal use; follows the regional standard of up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited within town corporate limits.
• Setback: Minimum 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling; coops must be located in the rear yard.
• Permit: No specific municipal chicken permit required, though structures over 120–200 sq. ft. may require a building permit.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Standard residential lots are permitted; no specific minimum acreage required.

Greensburg

• Hens: Up to 6 hens (or ducks). Residents may apply to the Board of Zoning Appeals for a "Special Animal Permit" to keep additional birds.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops and runs must be in the rear yard, at least 10 feet from property lines and 40 feet from any adjacent residential dwelling, school, or business.
• Permit: Required. A "Backyard Fowl Permit" must be obtained from the City Clerk. The city notifies all neighbors within 200 feet, who then have a 21-day period to file a written protest.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Limited to single-family homes or duplexes; the structure must be screened from public view.

Source: Greensburg Code of Ordinances § 91.50

Westport

• Hens: Up to 10 hens permitted (also allows up to 3 ducks and 3 rabbits).
• Roosters: Prohibited within town limits.
• Setback: Coops must be kept in a clean, sanitary manner; standard accessory structure setbacks of 5–10 feet from property lines apply.
• Permit: No specific permit required for the birds themselves, but owners are legally responsible for preventing noise or odor nuisances.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Permitted on residential lots provided they are not zoned strictly agricultural (where larger flocks are allowed).

DeKalb County

• Cities/Towns: Altona, Ashley, Corunna, Garrett, Hamilton, Spencerville, St. Joe, Waterloo
• Hens: Generally permitted; smaller municipalities typically follow a limit of up to 5 or 6 hens for residential properties.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited within town corporate limits.
• Setback: Coops must be located in the rear yard and maintained at least 20 feet from any neighboring residential structure.
• Permit: No specific county-wide chicken permit, but towns like Waterloo have previously explored "pilot programs" that require a local registration fee.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Most towns allow chickens on standard residential lots provided they are kept in a sanitary, non-nuisance manner.

Auburn

• Hens: Prohibited. The city code classifies poultry as "farm animals" and bans them within the corporate city limits.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: N/A.
• Permit: N/A.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Poultry is restricted to areas zoned specifically for agricultural use outside of the main city residential districts.

Source: Auburn Code of Ordinances § 90.02

Butler

• Hens: Permitted; up to 6 hens allowed per premises.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be located in the rear yard and meet standard accessory structure setbacks (typically 5–10 feet from property lines).
• Permit: Required. Residents must obtain an annual permit from the City Clerk.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Allowed on single-family residential lots; the area must be kept clean to prevent odor from reaching property boundaries.

Source: Butler Code of Ordinances § 6-23

Delaware County

• Cities/Towns: Albany, Daleville, Eaton, Gaston, Selma
• Hens: Generally permitted in smaller towns; standard limits typically range from 4 to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited within town corporate limits.
• Setback: Coops must be in the rear yard, at least 15–20 feet from any adjacent property line and 40 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Permit: No county-wide permit required, but individual towns (like Eaton) may require a simple registration with the Town Hall.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Standard residential lots are permitted; however, properties under 0.25 acres may be subject to stricter "nuisance" inspections regarding odor.

Muncie

• Hens: Permitted only via a "Special Use Variance" from the Delaware-Muncie Metropolitan Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA). While city ordinances to allow them "by right" have been debated, the current legal requirement remains a property-specific variance.
• Roosters: Prohibited in all residential zones.
• Setback: Must meet standard accessory structure setbacks (5–10 feet from property lines) and often requires a 20-foot buffer from neighboring houses as a condition of the variance.
• Permit: Requires a BZA filing fee and a public hearing where neighbors within a certain radius are notified.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: No strict minimum, but the BZA heavily favors larger lots with privacy fencing.

Source: Muncie Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance § 2.05 / BZA Variance Process

Yorktown

• Hens: Up to 6 hens allowed.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be located in the rear yard and set back at least 10 feet from all property lines.
• Permit: No specific annual permit, but residents must comply with the town's general animal control and sanitation ordinances.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Allowed on single-family residential parcels (R-1, R-2, R-3); communal living/apartments are generally excluded.

Source: Yorktown Town Code Chapter 91 (Animal Control)

Dubois County

• Cities/Towns: Birdseye, Ferdinand, Holland, Huntingburg, Jasper
• Hens: Generally permitted for non-commercial use; follows the regional standard of 5 to 6 hens on residential lots.
• Roosters: Prohibited within all incorporated city and town limits to prevent noise disturbance.
• Setback: Coops must be located in the rear yard and maintained at least 20 feet from any neighboring residential structure.
• Permit: No specific county-wide permit, though local "nuisance" ordinances regarding odor and waste are strictly enforced.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Standard residential lots are permitted; however, the town of Ferdinand requires "poultry husbandry" to be secondary to residential use and kept sanitary.

Jasper

• Hens: Technically prohibited in high-density residential zones. The city code restricts "farm animals" (including poultry) to properties zoned Agricultural (A1) or those with a minimum of 2 acres.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: N/A in residential zones; 50 feet from property lines in Agricultural zones.
• Permit: Not available for standard city lots.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Minimum 2 acres required for any poultry or livestock.

Source: Jasper Municipal Code § 6.04.050 / Zoning UDO KA-03

Huntingburg

• Hens: Prohibited. A 2023 effort to allow backyard chickens was vetoed by the Mayor; chickens remain classified as "farm animals" and are not allowed on residential lots.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: N/A.
• Permit: N/A.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Restricted to Agricultural zones only.

Source: Huntingburg Code of Ordinances § 91.01

Elkhart County

• Cities/Towns: Bristol, Elkhart, Goshen, Middlebury, Millersburg, Nappanee, Wakarusa
• Hens: Varies significantly by town; generally 5–6 hens where permitted.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited in all incorporated residential districts.
• Setback: Standard is 15 feet from property lines and 20 feet from neighboring dwellings.
• Permit: Required in most chicken-friendly towns (Bristol, Goshen); strictly prohibited in Elkhart and Nappanee.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Most towns require at least 0.25 acres.

Elkhart (City)

• Hens: Prohibited. Chickens are classified as "farm animals" and are not allowed within the corporate city limits.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: N/A.
• Permit: N/A.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Poultry is restricted to properties zoned specifically for agricultural use.

Source: Elkhart City Code § 91.02

Goshen

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops and runs must be 15 feet from any adjacent property line.
• Permit: Required. A $25 permit is required and must be renewed every two years.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Minimum 0.25 acres (approx. 10,890 sq. ft.) required for a permit.

Source: Goshen City Ordinance 4764

Bristol

• Hens: Up to 6 hens standard ($25 fee); up to 16 hens allowed with Town Council approval ($100 fee).
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be in the rear yard and meet standard accessory structure setbacks.
• Permit: Required. Neighbor consent is mandatory—you must provide written consent from all adjoining property owners.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Single-family residences only.

Source: Bristol Code of Ordinances § 94.10

Nappanee

• Hens: Prohibited. City code currently bans all fowl and farm animals within city boundaries.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: N/A.
• Permit: N/A.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Restricted to agricultural zones only.

Source: Nappanee City Code § 98.16

Fayette County

• Cities/Towns: Bentonville, Everton, Fairview, Falmouth, Glenwood, Harrisville
• Hens: Generally permitted for non-commercial use. In the town of Glenwood (which straddles Fayette and Rush counties), up to 10 hens are permitted.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited within town corporate limits.
• Setback: Coops must be located in the rear yard and maintained at least 15 feet from property lines and 20 feet from any neighboring residential dwelling.
• Permit: No county-wide permit required, but residents must comply with standard "nuisance" and sanitation codes.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Most small towns require no minimum acreage for small flocks, but large-scale "Confined Feeding Operations" (CFOs) are restricted to Agricultural zones.

Connersville

• Hens: Up to 5 "Urban Chickens" (female chickens) permitted per parcel.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be in the rear yard, at least 10 feet from all property lines and 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Permit: Required. Approval must be obtained through the Department of Planning Services.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Limited to single-family residential properties; chickens must be kept in a secure coop with at least 10 square feet of space per bird.

Source: Connersville Code of Ordinances § 91.019

Glenwood

• Hens: Up to 10 non-roaming hens allowed.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: 15 feet from all property lines and 20 feet from any neighboring residential dwelling.
• Permit: No specific permit fee, but requires sight fencing or shrub screening at least 4 feet high if the coop is visible to neighbors.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Standard residential lots; birds must be confined in a predator-proof, well-ventilated coop or pen at all times.

Source: Glenwood Ordinance 2025-5

Floyd County

• Cities/Towns: Galena, Navilleton, Saint Marys
• Hens: Generally permitted; small towns typically follow a limit of up to 6 hens on residential lots.
• Roosters: Prohibited within town corporate limits to prevent noise disturbances.
• Setback: Coops must be in the rear yard and positioned at least 20 feet from any neighboring residence.
• Permit: No specific county-wide permit, but residents must comply with the Floyd County Animal Control Ordinance regarding sanitation and waste.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Standard residential lots are permitted; agricultural zoning (A1) is required for flocks larger than 12 birds.

New Albany

• Hens: Up to 6 hens permitted.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be in the rear yard, at least 15 feet from all property lines and 25 feet from any neighboring residential structure.
• Permit: Required. Residents must obtain a permit from the New Albany-Floyd County Animal Control Authority; an initial inspection of the coop is typically required.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Limited to single-family dwellings; prohibited at multi-family complexes (apartments/duplexes).

Source: New Albany City Code § 90.05 / Floyd County Animal Ordinance

Georgetown

• Hens: Permitted; however, coops are restricted by a strict distance rule.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Extremely strict: Any coop or pen must be located at least 100 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Permit: No specific permit fee, but the 100-foot rule is strictly enforced by code enforcement.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Because of the 100-foot setback, most standard town lots cannot legally host chickens; larger "estate" lots are usually required.

Source: Georgetown Town Ordinance G-05-26 § X

Greenville

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be 15 feet from property lines and 25 feet from any neighboring structure.
• Permit: Required. A $25 license fee must be paid to the Town of Greenville.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Limited to single-family residences; coops cannot exceed 40 square feet in total floor area.

Source: Greenville Town Ordinance 91.12–91.15

Fountain County

• Cities/Towns: Hillsboro, Kingman, Mellott, Newtown, Veedersburg, Wallace
• Hens: Generally permitted for personal use. In smaller towns like Kingman and Mellott, up to 6 hens is the standard residential expectation.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited within all town corporate limits to prevent noise disturbances.
• Setback: Coops must be in the rear yard. Most towns require a minimum 20-foot setback from any neighboring residential structure.
• Permit: No specific county-wide permit, but towns like Veedersburg require that any "fowl pen" be kept in a sanitary condition to avoid being declared a public nuisance.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Standard residential lots are permitted; however, Veedersburg technically requires 3 acres for "livestock," though small backyard chicken flocks (under 6 birds) are often tolerated as pets if no nuisance is reported.

Attica

• Hens: Permitted; however, they are subject to strict distance requirements.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Extremely strict: It is unlawful to maintain any coop or pen for chickens within 100 feet of any dwelling (other than the owner's).
• Permit: No specific permit fee, but the 100-foot rule effectively restricts chickens to very large city lots or properties on the edge of town limits.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: No specific minimum acreage, but the property must be large enough to satisfy the 100-foot dwelling buffer.

Source: Attica Code of Ordinances § 90.21

Covington

• Hens: Allowed as a "limited use" for single-family detached residences.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Must be located in the rear yard and meet standard accessory structure setbacks (minimum 5–10 feet from property lines).
• Permit: No formal permit required, but the city mandates that poultry must be kept in a manner that does not "disturb the use or enjoyment of adjacent properties."
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Limited to single-family residential zoning districts; prohibited at multi-family dwellings.

Source: City of Covington Code Enforcement Guide (2024)

Franklin County

• Cities/Towns: Brookville, Cedar Grove, Laurel, Mount Carmel, Oldenburg
• Hens: Generally permitted; the "Designated Towns" (Brookville, Oldenburg, Cedar Grove, and Mount Carmel) typically allow up to 7 small animals/fowl on standard residential lots.
• Roosters: Prohibited within town corporate limits to prevent noise nuisances.
• Setback: Coops must be in the rear yard and maintained at least 15 feet from property lines.
• Permit: Required for structures. In the Designated Towns, a permit is mandatory for any coop or storage structure over 150 square feet.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Minimum lot sizes for "Additional Uses" (like poultry) are tied to sewage: 9,000 sq. ft. if on public sewer, and 18,000 sq. ft. if on a private septic system.

Batesville

• Hens: Up to 6 hens. (Batesville straddles Franklin and Ripley counties and maintains its own independent zoning authority).
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be at least 20 feet from any adjacent property line and 40 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Permit: Required. A "Backyard Chicken Permit" must be filed with the city; neighbor notification is often part of the approval process.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Limited to single-family residential lots; the coop must be located in the rear yard and screened from view.

Source: Batesville Code of Ordinances § 155.05

Brookville

• Hens: Up to 7 small animals (including chickens) permitted by right.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be in the rear yard; standard accessory setbacks of 10–15 feet apply depending on the specific residential district (R-1 vs R-2).
• Permit: Required for any structure/coop exceeding 150 square feet.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Requires a minimum of 9,000 sq. ft. for properties utilizing the public sewage system.

Source: Franklin County Zoning Code § 80.05.02 (Designated Towns Amendment)

Fulton County

• Cities/Towns: Akron, Fulton, Kewanna
• Hens: Generally permitted for non-commercial use; standard practice in these smaller towns is a limit of 4 to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited within town corporate limits.
• Setback: Coops must be located in the rear yard and maintained at least 20 feet from any neighboring residential structure.
• Permit: No specific municipal permit required in Akron or Kewanna, but residents must comply with Indiana Board of Animal Health (BOAH) registration requirements for all poultry sites.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Standard residential lots are permitted; however, the keeping of fowl is prohibited on any lot less than 3 acres if it is deemed a public nuisance.

Rochester

• Hens: Up to 6 hens permitted.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops and runs must be in the rear yard, at least 10 feet from property lines and 25 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Permit: No specific annual license is required, but the structure must comply with local building codes for accessory buildings if it exceeds 120 square feet.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Limited to single-family residential properties; chickens must be kept in a predator-proof enclosure at all times.

Source: Rochester City Code § 90.02 / Fulton County Zoning Ordinance

Gibson County

• Cities/Towns: Buckskin, Francisco, Hazleton, Mackey, Oakland City, Owensville, Patoka, Somerville
• Hens: Generally permitted for non-commercial use; standard practice in these smaller towns is 4 to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited within town corporate limits to prevent noise disturbances.
• Setback: Coops must be in the rear yard and typically maintained at least 20 feet from any neighboring residence.
• Permit: No specific county-wide permit, but residents must comply with the Gibson County Animal Control Ordinance (Ordinance 2010-3) regarding sanitation and "leash/enclosure" laws.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Standard residential lots are permitted; however, Oakland City requires that fowl not be kept within 100 feet of a neighbor's dwelling.

Princeton

• Hens: Up to 8 hens permitted.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops and runs must be at least 10 feet from property lines and 25 feet from any adjacent residential dwelling, school, or business.
• Permit: Required. Residents must obtain an annual permit from the City.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Limited to single-family inhabited tracts; chickens are prohibited on vacant lots.

Source: Princeton Code of Ordinances § 91.20 (Urban Hens)

Haubstadt

• Hens: Up to 5 hens permitted.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be located in the rear yard and set back at least 15 feet from all neighboring property lines.
• Permit: Required. Residents must file an application and pay a small registration fee to the Town Clerk-Treasurer.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: No specific minimum acreage, but the coop and run must provide a combined 12 square feet of space per bird.

Source: Haubstadt Town Ordinance Regarding Maintaining Chicken Flocks

Fort Branch

• Hens: Permitted; typically limited to 6 hens per household.
• Roosters: Prohibited within town limits.
• Setback: Coops must be 20 feet from property lines; "adequate care" and sanitary conditions are strictly mandated by local code.
• Permit: No formal permit fee, but the town marshal is authorized to impound fowl that are "running at large" or causing a noise nuisance.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Standard residential lots are permitted; birds must be securely enclosed at all times.

Source: Fort Branch Ordinance 2010-3 (Animal Control)

Grant County

• Cities/Towns: Fairmount, Fowlerton, Gas City, Jonesboro, Matthews, Swayzee, Sweetser
• Hens: Generally permitted for non-commercial use; standard practice in these smaller municipalities is a limit of 4 to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited within town corporate limits.
• Setback: Coops must be in the rear yard and maintained at least 20 feet from any neighboring residential structure.
• Permit: No specific county-wide permit, but residents must comply with local health and sanitation codes (e.g., Fairmount Town Code § 82.07 regarding clean and sanitary maintenance).
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Standard residential lots are permitted; however, larger-scale poultry operations are restricted to Agricultural zones.

Marion

• Hens: Up to 6 hens permitted on residential lots.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be at least 10 feet from property lines and 25 feet from any neighboring residential dwelling.
• Permit: Required. Residents must obtain an "Animal Permit" from the City of Marion; the coop must be inspected to ensure it is predator-proof and ventilated.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Single-family residential dwellings only; hens must be confined to a fenced rear yard or a secure run at all times.

Source: Marion Code of Ordinances § 90.04

Upland

• Hens: Up to 6 hens permitted.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: 5 feet from side and rear property lines
• Permit: Not required.

Source: Upland, IN Code of Ordinances § 91.06; Grant County Zoning Ordinance § 153.064.

Gas City

• Hens: Permitted; typically limited to 6 hens per household.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be in the rear yard; 15-foot setback from property lines and 30 feet from neighboring residences.
• Permit: No formal chicken-specific permit, but subject to strict "Public Nuisance" enforcement regarding noise and odor.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Standard residential lots permitted; free-ranging is prohibited.

Source: Gas City Municipal Code Chapter 90 (Animals)

Greene County

• Cities/Towns: Bloomfield, Jasonville, Lyons, Newberry, Switz City, Worthington
• Hens: Generally permitted; smaller towns typically allow up to 6 hens on residential lots.
• Roosters: Prohibited within most town corporate limits to prevent noise disturbances.
• Setback: Standard is 20 feet from property lines, but several towns (Bloomfield/Jasonville) enforce a strict 100 to 150-foot buffer from neighboring dwellings.
• Permit: No specific county-wide permit, but individual towns like Worthington and Bloomfield require a local registration or permit for "Urban Chickens."
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Standard residential lots are permitted, but the 100-foot setback rule often requires a lot size of at least 0.5 acres to be compliant.

Linton

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be in the rear yard, at least 15 feet from property lines and 25 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Permit: Required. Residents must apply for a permit through the City; an initial inspection may be required to ensure the coop is predator-proof and sanitary.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Single-family residential dwellings only; must provide at least 4 square feet of coop space and 8 square feet of run space per bird.

Source: Linton Code of Ordinances § 91.01 (Amended 2024)

Bloomfield

• Hens: Permitted, but subject to strict distance limits.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Extremely strict: Chickens may not be kept within 150 feet of any residence other than the owner's.
• Permit: No formal permit fee, but the 150-foot rule is the primary enforcement mechanism for animal control.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Because of the 150-foot rule, most standard downtown lots are ineligible; birds are typically restricted to larger perimeter properties.

Source: Town of Bloomfield Code of Ordinances § 7-8

Worthington

• Hens: Up to 8 hens permitted.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be 3 feet from side/rear property lines, but must be located in the rear yard only.
• Permit: Required. Residents must apply for a permit and provide a site plan showing the coop location.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Limited to "R" (Residential) and "S-1" (Special) districts; the coop and run must be kept "clean and unwholesome" at all times.

Source: Worthington Ordinance No. 29-2024

Hamilton County

• Cities/Towns: Arcadia, Atlanta, Cicero, Sheridan
• Hens: Generally permitted in smaller towns (Arcadia, Cicero, Sheridan) for personal use, typically following a limit of 6 hens.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited within all town and city corporate limits.
• Setback: Standard for smaller towns is 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling. Cicero and Sheridan require coops to be in the rear yard and kept in a sanitary condition.
• Permit: No specific county-wide permit for small flocks, but residents must comply with the Hamilton County Title 15 Animal Ordinance regarding "adequate shelter" and "extreme temperature" care.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Standard residential lots are permitted.

Carmel

• Hens: Up to 6 hens permitted.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be located in the rear yard and set back at least 15 feet from all property lines.
• Permit: Required. Residents must apply for a permit through the Carmel Department of Community Services.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Limited to single-family residential properties; free-ranging is prohibited.

Source: Carmel City Code § 6-31 / Zoning UDO

Fishers

• Hens: Permitted; however, they are subject to strict distance and enclosure rules.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited in residential districts.
• Setback: Coops must be at least 15 feet from property lines. If a property is under 1 acre, a variance may be required if the coop cannot be placed far enough from neighboring windows.
• Permit: Required. A permit for "Household Livestock" must be obtained from the Fishers Planning & Zoning Department.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Typically requires at least 1 acre for general livestock, but small "backyard hen" exceptions exist for smaller lots with a permit.

Source: Fishers Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) § 6.07

Noblesville

• Hens: Prohibited. Despite several public "pushes" to change the law (most recently in 2023/2024), chickens remain classified as livestock and are not permitted on lots less than 3 acres within city limits.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: N/A.
• Permit: N/A.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Minimum 3 acres required to keep any fowl or livestock.

Source: Noblesville City Code § 91.01 / UDO Article 9

Westfield

• Hens: Permitted; up to 6 hens allowed per household.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be located in the rear yard and 20 feet from any property line.
• Permit: No specific annual license, but the structure (coop) must comply with accessory building standards in the Westfield UDO.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Standard residential lots (R1, R2) are permitted; no minimum acreage for small flocks.

Source: Westfield Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Chapter 6

Hancock County

• Cities/Towns: Fortville, McCordsville, New Palestine, Shirley, Spring Lake, Wilkinson
• Hens: Generally permitted in smaller towns. New Palestine (2021) allows them by right; McCordsville permits them in most residential districts.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited within town and city corporate limits.
• Setback: Standard is 15–20 feet from property lines and 25 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Permit: No specific county-wide permit for small flocks, but any structure over 120–200 sq. ft. requires a Location Improvement Permit (LIP) from the Hancock County Planning Department.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Most towns require at least 0.25 acres.

Greenfield

• Hens: Permitted, but subject to strict nuisance and sanitation codes. While there is no hard cap in the city code, 6 hens is the generally accepted "non-nuisance" limit.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be in the rear yard and at least 20 feet from any neighboring residence.
• Permit: No specific "chicken permit" fee, but the city is active in enforcing "Animal Public Nuisance" ordinances (Chapter 91) if odors or noise are reported.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Limited to single-family residential properties.

Source: Greenfield Code of Ordinances § 91.02 / § 155.050

New Palestine

• Hens: No numeric limit (by ordinance), but welfare standards must be met.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be at least 15 feet from the neighboring property line.
• Permit: No permit required for the birds, but owners must provide a fence or shrub screening of at least 4 feet in height around the coop if it is visible to neighbors.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Requires a combined 12 square feet of coop and run space per chicken.

Source: New Palestine Town Ordinance 2021-05

Cumberland

• Hens: Up to 10 hens permitted. (Note: Cumberland straddles Hancock and Marion Counties).
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be 20 feet from all property lines and kept in the rear yard.
• Permit: No annual permit, but the town maintains strict "clean and secure" requirements for all coops.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Standard residential lots are permitted.

Source: Cumberland Town Code § 90.05

Harrison County

• Cities/Towns: Crandall, Elizabeth, Laconia, Lanesville, Mauckport, Palmyra
• Hens: Generally permitted in smaller towns (Elizabeth, Lanesville) for personal use, following a 6-hen standard.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited within town corporate limits.
• Setback: Standard is 20 feet from property lines, but many towns defer to the Harrison County Animal Control Ordinance (Updated 2025) regarding noise and sanitation.
• Permit: No county-wide permit for small flocks, but residents must follow "Proper Shelter" guidelines under County Ordinance 2025-01 (solid floors, leak-proof roofs, and secondary shade).
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Standard residential lots; however, most small towns require chickens to be strictly "confined" to the owner's property.

Corydon

• Hens: Permitted, but subject to one of the strictest setbacks in the region.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Extremely strict: All chickens (poultry) must be kept at least 100 feet from any adjacent lot line.
• Permit: No annual fee, but violations of the 100-foot setback or free-roaming rules carry a $20 fine for the first offense, escalating to $100.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Because of the 100-foot property line buffer, chickens are effectively banned on standard downtown Corydon lots.

Source: Corydon Town Ordinance § 2015-01 / Harrison County Animal Control

Palmyra

• Hens: Up to 6 hens permitted.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be in the rear yard and kept at least 15 feet from property lines.
• Permit: Required. Residents must file a "Conditional Use Application" with the Town Board for approval.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Standard residential lots are eligible upon Board approval; no other types of fowl (ducks/geese) are allowed.

Source: Palmyra Town Council Notice (2025/2026)

New Middletown

• Hens: Up to 5 hens permitted per property.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops and runs must be at least 10 feet from any neighboring property.
• Permit: Required. An annual permit must be obtained from the Town Clerk-Treasurer; the permit must be renewed every 12 months.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Limited to owner-occupied or tenant-occupied single-family properties; slaughtering on-site is prohibited.

Source: New Middletown Ordinance 2024-10

Hendricks County

• Cities/Towns: Amo, Avon, Brownsburg, Clayton, Coatesville, Danville, Lizton, North Salem, Pittsboro, Plainfield, Stilesville
• Hens: Generally permitted in smaller towns (Amo, Coatesville, Lizton) under general nuisance laws. Brownsburg and Danville have specific tiered limits based on lot size.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited within most incorporated town limits. Pittsboro is a notable exception, allowing 1 rooster on properties over 1 acre.
• Setback: Standard is 20–25 feet from neighboring dwellings. Some towns (Danville) enforce much larger 75- to 100-foot buffers for coops.
• Permit: Required in most major towns (Brownsburg, Danville, Pittsboro, Avon).
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Brownsburg requires at least 0.5 acres for hens in residential zones. Avon generally restricts "fowl" to lots over 3 acres unless a specific permit is granted.

Brownsburg

• Hens: 3 hens on lots under 1 acre; 4 hens on lots over 1 acre (R1/R2 zones). Up to 10 hens allowed in RE (Estate) zones.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be in the rear yard and comply with standard residential accessory structure setbacks.
• Permit: No annual fee, but the coop must comply with building codes and the property must meet the 0.5-acre minimum.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Minimum 0.5 acres required to keep chickens in residential neighborhoods.

Source: Brownsburg Development Services Code Compliance (2026)

Danville

• Hens: 4–6 hens permitted.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Extremely strict: Coops must be kept 100 feet from all rear property lines and placed in the center of the rear yard.
• Permit: Required. A permit is needed for any new chicken coop or accessory structure.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Generally restricted to properties greater than 1 acre for "farm animal" classifications, but small flock exceptions exist for residential lots that can meet the 100-foot setback.

Source: Danville Town Code § 95.01 (Amended 2026)

Pittsboro

• Hens: Up to 6 hens on lots under 1 acre.
• Roosters: Prohibited on lots under 1 acre. On lots over 1 acre, 1 rooster is permitted per acre (max 2).
• Setback: 25 feet from any neighboring residence and 10 feet from any building on the subject property.
• Permit: Required. Residents must apply with the Town Clerk-Treasurer and pay a registration fee.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Permitted on standard residential lots; coops are limited to 120 square feet.

Source: Pittsboro Ordinance 2023-05 / § 91.08

Avon

• Hens: Technically prohibited on lots less than 3 acres under the standard "livestock" definition.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: N/A.
• Permit: A "Special Exception" from the Board of Zoning Appeals is typically required for any poultry on residential lots under the 3-acre threshold.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: 3-acre minimum for fowl.

Source: Avon Town Code § 91.01

Henry County

• Cities/Towns: Blountsville, Cadiz, Dunreith, Greensboro, Kennard, Knightstown, Lewisville, Middletown, Mooreland, Mount Summit, New Castle, Shirley, Spiceland, Springport, Straughn, Sulphur Springs
• Hens: Generally permitted; small towns typically follow a 4–6 hen standard.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited within town and city corporate limits.
• Setback: Standard is 20 feet from neighboring residences. Henry County Ordinance (§ 90.03) requires all pens to be swept every 48 hours to prevent "decaying food or waste" from becoming a nuisance.
• Permit: Most towns do not require a specific permit for the birds themselves, but New Castle requires an annual animal license for all "harbored" pets.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Small towns like Knightstown technically require 3 acres for "fowl," though many residents keep small backyard flocks (under 6) without enforcement unless a nuisance is reported.

New Castle

• Hens: Permitted. Up to 6 hens is the generally accepted residential limit.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be in the rear yard and 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Permit: Required. Per Ordinance #3974 (passed Jan 2026), the city adjusted animal license fees. Residents harboring animals must register them with the city to ensure compliance with health and sanitation standards.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Standard residential lots are permitted; free-roaming is strictly prohibited under the city’s "Restraint" code (§ 90.02).

Source: New Castle City Code Chapter 90 / Ordinance #3974 (2026)

Knightstown

• Hens: Technically restricted to lots of 3 acres or larger under current zoning for "fowl."
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: N/A for residential lots under 3 acres; 50 feet from property lines for approved agricultural lots.
• Permit: Not available for standard residential lots.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: 3-acre minimum is the current legal threshold for poultry within the jurisdictional area.

Source: Knightstown Animal Ordinance § 91.01

Middletown

• Hens: Permitted, provided they do not create a nuisance.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be at least 25 feet from any property line.
• Permit: No formal permit fee, but the town enforces a strict "No Offensive Odor" policy.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Permitted on single-family residential lots; birds must be securely fenced at all times.

Source: Middletown General Regulations Chapter 90

Howard County

• Cities/Towns: Cassville, Center, Greentown, Hemlock, Indian Village, Oakford, Russiaville, West Middleton
• Hens: Generally permitted for non-commercial use; standard practice is a limit of 6 to 8 hens.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited within most incorporated town and city limits.
• Setback: Standard for smaller towns is 20 feet from property lines.
• Permit: Required in Kokomo and Russiaville; other small towns like Greentown primarily rely on "nuisance" and sanitation enforcement.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Standard residential lots are permitted, but the 100-foot distance rule (where applicable) usually requires at least 0.5 to 1.0 acre to be compliant.

Kokomo

• Hens: Permitted, typically up to 6 hens for residential properties.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be in the rear yard, at least 10 feet from any property line and 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Permit: Required. The city maintains an animal ordinance that requires pens to be kept in a sanitary manner. Structure permits may be needed for coops exceeding 120 square feet.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Single-family residential dwellings only; birds must be securely enclosed at all times to prevent them from being "at large."

Source: Kokomo Municipal Code Chapter 90 (Animals)

Russiaville

• Hens: Permitted with a specific permit.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Must be located in the rear yard and meet standard accessory structure setbacks.
• Permit: Required. Russiaville has a dedicated Chicken/Chicken Coop Permit application that must be filed with the Town Hall.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Standard residential lots; the town requires specific proof of a predator-proof coop and run as part of the permit process.

Greentown

• Hens: Permitted; no specific numeric limit in the code, though 6 is the standard "non-nuisance" recommendation.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: It is unlawful to keep fowl within 100 feet of any dwelling other than the owner's.
• Permit: No formal permit fee, but the 100-foot rule is the primary enforcement mechanism for animal control.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Because of the 100-foot rule, most smaller downtown Greentown lots are ineligible for poultry.

Source: Greentown Town Code § 90.02

Huntington County

• Cities/Towns: Andrews, Mount Etna, Roanoke, Warren
• Hens: Generally permitted. In the smaller towns like Andrews and Warren, small flocks are allowed as long as they don't create a nuisance.
• Roosters: Prohibited within town corporate limits.
• Setback: Standard for the county is 20 feet from property lines. However, for "Minor Livestock Operations" (see below), the building or pen must be at least 25 feet from any side or rear property line and 100 feet from any water well.
• Permit: No specific "backyard chicken" permit is required for small flocks (under 6) in most towns, but structures must meet accessory building codes.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Standard residential lots are permitted.

Huntington (City)

• Hens: Up to 6 hens are typically allowed on residential lots. However, Huntington is unique in defining "Minor Livestock Operations" which allows up to 150 laying hens per acre on larger tracts within the jurisdictional area.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited on standard residential lots.
• Setback: Coops must be in the rear yard and at least 25 feet from any property line.
• Permit: No specific annual license fee for the chickens, but a permit from the City/County Planning Department is required for the coop structure itself.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: No minimum for a small flock, but the 25-foot setback is strictly enforced.

Source: Huntington Zoning Code § 1020

Roanoke

• Hens: Up to 6 hens allowed on lots of 20,000 sq. ft. or less; up to 9 hens on lots up to 1 acre.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be 10 feet from property lines and at least 35 feet from any neighboring residential dwelling.
• Permit: No formal chicken permit, but the town enforces strict "Animal Control" standards regarding manure storage and removal.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Permitted on single-family residential lots.

Source: Roanoke Town Council / General Zoning Standards

Warren

• Hens: Up to 3 hens permitted.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be in the rear yard, 25 feet from your own house, and 60 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Permit: Required. A "Chicken Permit" must be filed with the city; there is a $10 fee, and permits expire on Dec. 31st each year.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Standard residential lots; free-ranging is prohibited.

Jackson County

• Cities/Towns: Brownstown, Crothersville, Medora, Seymour, Vallonia
• Hens: Generally permitted for non-commercial use. Crothersville allows up to 4; Seymour has a more flexible "nuisance-based" approach for small flocks.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited within city and town corporate limits.
• Setback: Standard is 20 feet from neighboring residences.
• Permit: Required in Crothersville ($20 annual fee). Seymour does not have a specific "chicken permit" but requires compliance with general animal control and building codes.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Standard residential lots are permitted in most areas. However, "confinement feeding" operations are prohibited within one mile of city limits.

Seymour

• Hens: Permitted. While no hard numeric limit is set in the code, residential flocks are governed by Chapter 90 (Animals).
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be in the rear yard and maintained at least 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Permit: No annual chicken-specific license is required, but the city’s Ordinance Administrator monitors for noise and odor complaints.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Limited to single-family residential properties; free-ranging is prohibited.

Crothersville

• Hens: Exactly 4 hens permitted per residence.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be in the rear yard and at least 18 inches high (to prevent rodent nesting).
• Permit: Required. Residents must file an Urban Chicken Permit application with the Town Hall and pay a $20 annual fee. The application must include a diagram/photo of the coop.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Not permitted at multi-family dwellings (apartments or duplexes); requires a solid roof and predator-proof enclosure.

Brownstown

• Hens: Permitted; standard residential limit is up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be 20 feet from property lines and 40 feet from any neighboring residential structure.
• Permit: No specific permit, but the town marshal enforces a "No Running at Large" policy.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Standard lots allowed; slaughtering of chickens on the property is prohibited.

Source: Brownstown Town Code § 90.01

Jasper County

• Cities/Towns: DeMotte, Remington, Wheatfield
• Hens: Generally permitted. Rensselaer and DeMotte have established rules for small flocks.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited in all residential districts (R-1, R-2, R-3).
• Setback: Standard for the county is 20 feet from any neighboring residence.
• Permit: No county-wide permit, but the city of Rensselaer requires a one-time "Structure Permit" if the coop is a permanent building.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Standard residential lots.

Rensselaer

• Hens: Up to 6 hens permitted per household.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be in the rear yard and at least 15 feet from all property lines.
• Permit: Required. Residents must register their flock with the City Building Commissioner.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Limited to single-family detached dwellings.

DeMotte

• Hens: Permitted; standard limit of 5 hens.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be at least 10 feet from property lines and 25 feet from neighboring dwellings.
• Permit: No formal annual fee, but the town is very strict on "Animal Nuisance" (Ordinance 91.02) regarding waste runoff.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Permitted on residential lots; free-ranging is prohibited.

Remington

• Hens: Up to 5 hens permitted.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be 15 feet from property lines and include a sight fence or shrub screening (at least 4 feet high) if the coop is visible to neighbors.
• Permit: No specific annual license, but subject to $25–$100 fines for nuisance violations.

Jay County

• Cities/Towns: Bryant, Dunkirk, Pennville, Portland, Redkey, Salamonia
• Hens: Generally permitted in the larger towns. Smaller areas like Pennville and Salamonia follow the county's Agriculture/Residential (AR) or Rural Residential (RR) zoning.
• Roosters: Prohibited within all city and town corporate limits.
• Setback: Standard is 15–20 feet from property lines. New ordinances in Portland and Redkey emphasize "sight screening" (fences or shrubs) if coops are visible to neighbors.
• Permit: Required in Portland and Redkey.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Most towns have moved away from the old "3-acre rule" for small chicken flocks, now allowing them on standard residential lots with a permit.

Portland

• Hens: Up to 5 hens permitted. (Ordinance 2025-15, effective Jan 2026).
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops and runs must be at least 15 feet from any neighboring property line.
• Permit: Required. Owners must provide a coop and run with 12 sq. ft. of space per bird.
• Screening: A "sight fence" or shrub screening at least 4 feet high is required if the coop is visible from a neighboring lot.
• Slaughtering: Strictly prohibited on-site within city limits.

Redkey

• Hens: Permitted (hens only).
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Must be kept within a secure enclosure in the rear yard.
• Permit: Required under the updated "Regulation of Animals" code (Ordinance 2024-09).
• Note: Redkey's new code explicitly exempts hens from the broader "poultry" ban, provided they are not allowed to run at large.

Dunkirk

• Hens: Permitted; typically limited to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Standard 20-foot setback from neighboring dwellings applies.
• Permit: No formal chicken license, but the city enforces strict nuisance laws (Chapter 90) regarding "habitual noise" or "offensive odors."

Source: Dunkirk City Code § 90.02

Jefferson County

• Cities/Towns: Brooksburg, Dupont, Hanover, Madison
• Hens: Generally permitted for personal use.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited within the town limits of Madison and Hanover.
• Setback: Standard for the county is 20 feet from any neighboring residence.
• Permit: No county-wide permit for small flocks, but structures (coops) over 120 sq. ft. require an "Improvement Location Permit" from the Jefferson County Planning & Zoning Office.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Standard residential lots are permitted.

Madison

• Hens: Permitted. While the zoning code allows "small animals," the city relies heavily on nuisance enforcement (noise/odor).
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be located in the rear yard and maintained at least 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Permit: No annual chicken license, but the structure must comply with the City of Madison Zoning Ordinance regarding accessory buildings.
• Note: Madison has a "Buffer Area" (outside city limits but under city zoning control). If you are in this zone, you must follow Madison's rules rather than the county's.

Hanover

• Hens: Permitted, provided they do not constitute a public nuisance.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be in the rear yard and at least 15 feet from property lines.
• Permit: No specific permit for the birds, but under the 2026 town guidelines, "fowl" are prohibited on lots less than 3 acres unless kept in a fully enclosed, predator-proof coop and run that prevents any "running at large."
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Technically 3 acres for "livestock," but small backyard flocks (under 6) are generally tolerated in residential zones if they are secure.

Source: Hanover Town Code § 91.02 / Animal Ordinance (2026 Update)

Dupont

• Hens: Permitted. Up to 5 hens allowed on standard residential lots.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be at least 5 feet from property lines and 15 feet from neighboring residences.
• Lot size: Requires approx. 200 sq. ft. of yard area per bird (backyard only).

Jennings County

• Cities/Towns: North Vernon, Vernon
• Hens: Generally permitted. Both the county and the city of North Vernon follow Ordinance #990-2019, which classifies poultry as "Livestock Animals" but allows them in residential areas if they do not become a nuisance.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited within city/town corporate limits due to noise regulations.
• Setback: Coops must be in the rear yard and maintained at least 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Permit: No specific annual "chicken license" is required, but an Improvement Location Permit from the Jennings County Area Planning Commission is required for any permanent coop structure.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Standard residential lots are permitted; however, the keeping of more than 12 birds typically triggers agricultural zoning requirements (requiring larger acreage).

North Vernon

• Hens: Permitted. Up to 6 hens is the standard recommendation for residential lots to avoid "nuisance" complaints.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be located in the rear yard and kept at least 15 feet from all property lines.
• Permit: Follows the county's Area Planning guidelines for structures. No separate city-level bird permit is currently required as of early 2026.
• Standards: Owners must provide "Adequate Shelter" (3-sided, leak-proof, with a roof and floor) and "Adequate Water" as defined by Ordinance #990.

Vernon

• Hens: Up to 6 hens allowed on residential lots.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops and runs must be in the backyard and adhere to a 10-foot setback from side and rear property lines.
• Permit: Required. A one-time zoning permit (approx. $50) must be obtained from the Vernon Zoning Officer. If the coop exceeds 200 sq. ft., additional building permits are required.
• Space: The town recommends 2–3 sq. ft. inside the coop and 8–10 sq. ft. in an outside run per bird.

Johnson County

• Cities/Towns: Bargersville, Edinburgh, Franklin, Greenwood, New Whiteland, Princes Lakes, Trafalgar, Whiteland
• Hens: Generally permitted in smaller towns (Whiteland, Bargersville) with a limit of 4–6 hens.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited in all residential districts across the county.
• Setback: Standard for the county is 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Permit: Required in almost every major town (Greenwood, Franklin, Whiteland, Edinburgh).
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Standard residential lots are permitted in most towns, but Greenwood still restricts "livestock" to agricultural zones unless specifically permitted.

Greenwood

• Hens: Historically prohibited in R-1 and R-2 residential districts. However, as of late 2025/2026, the city allows up to 6 hens as an accessory use, provided they are in a secure coop or "chicken tractor."
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited. Any property with a rooster is legally classified as a "Farm" and must be in an Agricultural zone.
• Setback: Minimum 5 feet from property lines, but must be at least 10 feet away from the principal building (your house).
• Permit: No specific animal license, but the coop must comply with Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) No. 20-29 regarding accessory structures.

Franklin

• Hens: Up to 5 hens permitted.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be located at least 20 feet from any neighboring residential dwelling.
• Permit: Required. Residents must apply for a permit and undergo a brief site inspection to ensure the coop is predator-proof.
• Note: Franklin is very active in "Public Nuisance" enforcement; odors must not be detectable at the property line.

Whiteland

• Hens: Up to 6 hens permitted.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be 3 feet from your own buildings and 25 feet from any neighboring residence.
• Permit: Required. Residents must file a Backyard Chickens Residential Improvement Location Permit.
• Requirements: You must provide proof of Indiana Premises ID (BOAH registration) and notify all neighbors within 660 feet of your property.

Edinburgh

• Hens: Historically prohibited on lots under 3 acres. However, under the 2026 UDO update, small "Urban Chicken Flocks" (up to 6 hens) are permitted with a permit.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Permit: Required. An annual "Urban Chicken Permit" ($20 fee) must be filed with the Clerk-Treasurer’s office.

Knox County

• Cities/Towns: Bicknell, Bruceville, Decker, Edwardsport, Monroe City, Oaktown, Sandborn, Vincennes, Wheatland
• Hens: Generally permitted. Bicknell recently clarified its rules to allow up to 5 hens; Vincennes relies on a "nuisance and acreage" model.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited within city and town corporate limits.
• Setback: Standard for the county is 20 feet from neighboring residences. In Bicknell, a 15-foot property line setback is required.
• Permit: No county-wide permit for small flocks, but some cities (like Bicknell) require residents to operate under a specific set of care standards to avoid fines.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Small backyard flocks (under 6) on standard residential lots are usually permitted as "pets" by the Area Plan Commission.

Vincennes

• Hens: Permitted, but subject to strict nuisance and sanitation enforcement.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be in the rear yard and maintained at least 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Permit: No specific annual "chicken license," but the City Inspector’s Office actively monitors for violations of Code Chapter 91 (Animals), which prohibits offensive odors and unsanitary conditions.
• Note: Keeping chickens on a lot less than 3 acres is technically restricted if it creates a "burdensome nuisance," but small well-kept flocks are common in the city.

Bicknell

• Hens: Up to 5 hens permitted per residential lot.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops and runs must be located at least 15 feet from any neighboring property line.
• Screening: A "sight fence" or shrub screening at least 4 feet in height is required if the coop is visible to neighbors.
• Space: Must provide a combined 12 square feet of coop and run space per chicken.
• Penalties: Violations carry a $25 fine for the first offense, escalating to $50. Multiple violations (8 in one year) result in permit revocation and removal of the birds.

Kosciusko County

• Cities/Towns: Claypool, Leesburg, Milford, North Webster, Pierceton, Silver Lake, Syracuse, Warsaw, Winona Lake
• Hens: Generally permitted in Warsaw. Syracuse remains a notable holdout with a strict ban.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited within all city and town corporate limits.
• Setback: Standard for the county is 20 feet from neighboring residences. The new 2026 AFO ordinance only triggers for flocks of 300 birds or more (requiring 20 acres).
• Permit: No county-wide permit for small hobby flocks, but towns like Winona Lake require a "Special Exception" or variance for residential birds.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Small flocks (under 300 birds) are exempt from the heavy 20-acre requirement of the new AFO ordinance.

Warsaw

• Hens: Up to 6 hens permitted (as of Dec 2025).
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited; "crowing hens" must also be removed.
• Setback: Poultry must be adequately confined within private property boundaries to prevent escape.
• Permit: No specific annual license is required, but the ordinance prohibits live slaughter on residential property.
• Status: This ended a decade of "no-chicken" votes in the city.

Source: Warsaw City Council Ordinance (Dec 2025)

Winona Lake

• Hens: Not permitted "by right."
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Process: Residents must file a petition for a Zoning Variance with the Board of Appeals. Recent cases (2024–2026) show a trend of approving up to 6 hens on a case-by-case basis.
• Lot size: Typically requires a site plan and neighbor notification as part of the public hearing process.

Source: Winona Lake Board of Appeals (Official News Record)

Syracuse

• Hens: Prohibited.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Status: As of late 2023 and continuing into 2026, the Town Council has explicitly refused to grant reprieves for residents keeping chickens, maintaining a total ban on "farm animals" in city limits.

Source: Syracuse Town Council Ruling (Official News Record)

LaGrange County

• Cities/Towns: LaGrange, Shipshewana, Topeka, Wolcottville
• Hens: Towns like Shipshewana and Topeka have acreage-based restrictions.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited within town corporate limits.
• Setback: Standard for the county is 20 feet from any neighboring residence.
• Permit: Required for permanent structures; any coop over 120 sq. ft. needs an Improvement Location Permit from the LaGrange County Plan Commission.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Small towns traditionally require 3 acres for "fowl" or livestock, effectively banning them on standard town lots unless a variance is granted.

Shipshewana

• Hens: Technically restricted to properties of 3 acres or more.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Regulation: The town is highly sensitive to "nuisance" and "offensive odors" due to its heavy tourism and high-density downtown area.
• Status: While the town code has a "Prohibition of Fowl" for small lots, the town board has historically been open to discussing specific use cases if the birds are part of a school or educational program.

LaGrange (Town)

• Hens: Permitted with a 3-acre minimum requirement for "livestock/fowl" classification.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Enforcement: The town recently clarified that "harboring" an animal implies ownership, making residents responsible for any noise or sanitation issues.
• Biosecurity: Owners must comply with the 2026 BOAH (Board of Animal Health) record-keeping rules, documenting any movement of birds in or out of the flock.

Topeka

• Hens: Permitted, provided they stay on lots over 3 acres or have received a specific zoning exemption.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• New Law (2026): Indiana HB 1424 (Passed March 2026) now protects "small farm vendors" and homesteaders from certain local health department licensing requirements for selling eggs/meat, provided they follow federal guidelines.

Lake County

• Cities/Towns: Cedar Lake, Dyer, Griffith, Highland, Lowell, Schererville, St. John, Whiting
• Hens: Generally permitted in southern towns (Lowell, Cedar Lake). Northern industrial cities are split; Gary allows them with massive setbacks, while Hammond remains a strict "No."
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited in all residential zones.
• Setback: Extremely variable. Many Lake County cities still use an old "200-foot rule," which effectively bans chickens on standard urban lots.
• Permit: Required in most jurisdictions (Gary, Hobart, Griffith).
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Crown Point and Hammond effectively require large acreage (5+ acres) to meet their current distance-to-neighbor requirements.

Hobart

• Hens: Ordinance 2025-17 - Up to 4 hens permitted.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Must be 10 feet from property lines and 60 feet from neighboring dwellings. If a 6-foot fence is present, the setback to the neighbor's house may be reduced to 40 feet.
• Permit: No annual fee, but the Building Commissioner must approve the coop location, especially for corner lots.
• Standards: Coops must be predator-proof and between 10–75 sq. ft. in size.

Gary

• Hens: Up to 4 chickens permitted.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Extremely strict: It is unlawful to keep poultry within 200 feet of any dwelling house other than the owner's.
• Permit: Required through the Planning Department.
• Enforcement: Because of the 200-foot rule, most residents on standard 5,000 sq. ft. city lots cannot legally keep birds.

Crown Point

• Hens: Technically prohibited on standard residential lots.
• Status: Currently (March 2026), the city enforces a 400-foot buffer from neighboring residences. As of early 2026, the City Council has heard multiple petitions to lower this to 4 hens on smaller lots, but a formal change has not yet been codified.
• Permit: Currently requires a Variance from Development Standards to be legal on small lots.

Hammond & Merrillville

• Hens: Prohibited.
• Hammond: Ordinance #8762 explicitly bans fowl within city limits. A 2025/2026 petition drive is active, but the ban remains in place.
• Merrillville: The Town Council recently reaffirmed its ban on residential fowl in late 2024; they are only permitted in areas specifically zoned Agricultural.

Griffith

• Hens: Up to 10 hens permitted.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: 35 feet from any adjoining property.
• Consent: Unique rule: Neighbors with a common boundary must give written consent for you to keep the birds.

LaPorte County

• Cities/Towns: Kingsbury, Kingsford Heights, La Crosse, Michiana Shores, Michigan City, Pottawattamie Park, Trail Creek, Wanatah, Westville
• Hens: Towns vary. Westville specifically voted in 2024–2025 to strictly enforce a ban on chickens in residential zones.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited within most town and city corporate limits.
• Setback: Standard for the county is 20 feet from neighboring residences.
• Permit: Required in La Porte and Michigan City. Small towns like Hamlet (nearby) and La Porte require an annual fee and a site diagram.

La Porte (City)

• Hens: Up to 4 hens permitted (Chapter 58).
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Extremely specific: Coops and runs must be at least 25 feet from any neighboring dwelling property line.
• Permit: Required. The fee is $35, and the permit is valid as long as you own the property. You must apply via the online Citizen Service Portal.
• Standards: Coops must be at least 18 inches high (to prevent rodents) and provide 4–12 square feet of floor area per bird.

Michigan City

• Hens: Permitted with a permit.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: 15 feet from property lines and 20 feet from neighboring structures.
• Permit: Required. Michigan City recently updated its ordinance to remove "neighbor veto" power, ensuring that if you meet the setback and sanitation rules, the permit cannot be denied based solely on a neighbor's preference.

Westville

• Hens: Prohibited.
• Status: Despite a push from residents in 2024, the Village Council voted to maintain and enforce a 1990s-era ban on livestock (including chickens) within village limits to mitigate noise and predator risks.

Lawrence County

• Cities/Towns: Bedford, Mitchell, Oolitic
• Hens: No specific hen limits for non-commercial flocks.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited within Bedford and Mitchell city limits.
• Setback: Both Bedford and Mitchell enforce a standard 20-foot setback from neighboring dwellings for all animal enclosures.
• Permit: No specific county-wide permit for hobby flocks. However, both major cities require a basic structure permit if you build a permanent coop over a certain size (usually 120–200 sq. ft.).
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Standard residential lots are permitted.

Bedford

• Hens: Up to 6 hens are typically permitted on residential lots.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be located in the rear yard and maintained at least 20 feet from any neighboring residence.
• Permit: No annual "chicken fee," but the city’s Planning & Zoning Department monitors for code violations (Chapter 91) related to odor and waste.
• Sanitation: The city code explicitly requires animal waste to be removed daily or stored in a fly-proof container to prevent public health hazards.

Mitchell

• Hens: Up to 5 hens permitted.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be in the rear yard and at least 15 feet from property lines.
• Enforcement: Mitchell is known for strict "At Large" enforcement. If your chickens escape into a neighbor’s yard or the street, the City Marshal can issue a citation on the first offense.

Source: Mitchell City Code § 91.01 / Animal Control Standards

Oolitic

• Hens: Permitted; standard limit of 6 hens.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: 20 feet from any dwelling other than the owner's.
• Note: Oolitic follows the general Lawrence County Animal Control guidelines but emphasizes that "fowl" must be confined to a pen or fenced area at all times.

Madison County

• Cities/Towns: Alexandria, Anderson, Chesterfield, Elwood, Frankton, Ingalls, Lapel, Markleville, Orestes, Pendleton, Summitville
• Hens: Generally permitted. Most towns follow a standard of 5–6 hens.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited within city and town corporate limits.
• Setback: Standard for the county is 20 feet from neighboring dwellings.
• Permit: Required in Anderson and Pendleton. Small towns like Ingalls and Lapel primarily rely on "Public Nuisance" ordinances rather than formal bird licenses.

Anderson

• Hens: Number allowed depends on lot size:
  • Under 8,000 sq. ft.: 1 hen per 800 sq. ft.
  • 8,000+ sq. ft.: Maximum of 10 hens.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Enclosures must be at least 35 feet from any neighboring residence and 50 feet from the front property line.
• Permit: No specific annual fee for the chickens themselves, but coops over 100 sq. ft. require a building permit.
• Slaughtering: Strictly prohibited on residential lots.

Source: Anderson Municipal Code § 17.02.135

Pendleton

• Hens: Up to 6 hens permitted.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be in the rear yard and 20 feet from neighboring property lines.
• Permit: Required.

Alexandria

• Hens: Permitted; no specific numeric limit is listed, but residents are limited by "nuisance" standards regarding noise and odor.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: 20 feet from any dwelling other than the owner's.
• Enforcement: The city code (§ 90.02) designates any bird that causes "frequent or continued noises or odors" as a public nuisance subject to impoundment.

Source: Alexandria City Code § 90.02

Elwood

• Hens: Prohibited.
• Status: The City of Elwood maintains a strict ban on "fowl" including chickens and ducks within city limits (Ordinance § 90.01). While there is an "Elwood" in Illinois that allows them, the Indiana city has consistently voted to keep the ban in place as of early 2026.

Marion County (Indianapolis)

• Hens: Up to 12 hens allowed per household.
• Roosters: One (1) rooster allowed.
• Rooster Rule: Must be kept in an enclosed structure from dusk to dawn to limit noise.
• Permit: No permit required for the birds.
• Setback: No specific footage for the birds, but coops (accessory structures) must meet standard zoning setbacks (typically 5 feet from property lines).
• Slaughtering: Permitted on-site for personal use only.

Source: Indianapolis Municipal Code § 731-201

Lawrence (City)

• Hens: Permitted with specific approval.
• Permit: Required. Application requires a structural plan and a scaled plot plan.
• Consent: Unique "Neighbor Consent" rule: You must provide notarized written consent from all adjacent property owners.
• HOA: Requires an approval letter from your HOA if applicable.

Beech Grove

• Hens: Up to 2 hens allowed by right.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Expansion: To have more than 2 hens, you must apply for a Special Exception through the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Speedway

• Status: Generally follows a "No Livestock" policy.
• Details: While 2026 comprehensive planning is underway, chickens are currently restricted to areas specifically zoned for agricultural use. Small residential lots are typically ineligible.

Marshall County

• Hens: Towns vary significantly.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited in Plymouth, Argos & Bremen.
• Setback: Standard for the county is 20 feet from neighboring residences.
• Permit: Required in Argos ($10 per bird registration); Plymouth requires a formal "Variance of Use" hearing.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Small towns traditionally had a 5-acre rule, but Argos and others have recently lowered this to allow chickens on standard residential lots.

Plymouth

• Hens: Not permitted "by right" in residential districts.
• Process: Residents must apply for a Variance of Use through the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA).
• Recent Trend (2025–2026): The Plymouth BZA has been split; several recent requests for 6–8 hens on 1+ acre lots were denied due to neighbor opposition regarding property values and odor.
• Status: Unless you obtain a specific variance, keeping chickens within city limits or the "two-mile zoning district" is a code violation.

Argos

• Hens: Up to 6 hens permitted on lots under 5 acres. (Ordinance 2023-14).
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be in the rear yard and provide 10 sq. ft. of space per bird. Coops cannot exceed 75 sq. ft. total.
• Permit: Required. Chickens must be registered as "pets" with the Clerk-Treasurer for a fee of $10 per bird.
• Rental Property: Chickens are strictly prohibited on all rental properties.

Source: Argos Town Code § 90.032

Bremen

• Status: Historically prohibited, but under active review in 2024–2026.
• Details: The Town Council held public hearings recently where a significant number of residents requested an allowance for 4-H projects and sustainability. As of early 2026, a final ordinance has not been codified, but a "pilot program" for up to 4 hens is being discussed.

Culver

• Hens: Permitted. Up to 5 hens allowed on residential lots.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Nuisance: Highly focused on sanitation; any accumulation of waste visible or smellable from the street is a violation of the town’s "Nuisance and Health" code.

Martin County

• Hens: Generally permitted.
• Roosters: Allowed in rural areas.
• Permit: No county-wide chicken license. However, a Building Permit is required for any permanent coop structure exceeding 150 sq. ft.
• Biosecurity: The Martin County Extension office now mandates "Poultry Bleeds" (blood testing) for all non-NPIP certified birds intended for public exhibition or sale.

Loogootee

• Hens: Permitted. Up to 6 hens is the common residential standard.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited within city limits to prevent noise disturbances.
• Setback: Coops must be at least 20 feet from any neighboring residential dwelling.
• Enforcement: Governed by the City Building Commissioner; emphasis is on preventing "nuisance animals" (odor and noise).

Shoals

• Hens: Permitted. Typically follows the "non-commercial" hobby flock guideline (under 12 birds).
• Roosters: Generally prohibited in the town proper.
• Setback: Must adhere to rear-yard accessory structure setbacks (standard 5–10 feet from property lines).

Source: Shoals Town Council / General Animal Control

Monroe County

• Cities/Towns: Ellettsville, Stinesville
• Hens: Permitted. Standard residential flocks are capped at 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited within town corporate limits.
• Permit: No formal annual permit required, but must follow "Nuisance and Sanitation" codes regarding odor and noise.
• Setback: Coops must be in the rear yard and 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling.

Bloomington

• Hens: Maximum of 5 hens per household.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Permit: Required. Must obtain a free permit from Animal Care and Control; permits must be renewed annually.
• Setback: 20 feet from any non-owner building and 12 feet from property lines.
• Standards: Requires a visual barrier (fence/shrub) at least 4 feet tall if visible to neighbors; must provide 12 sq. ft. of run space per bird.

Montgomery County

• Cities/Towns: Alamo, Darlington, New Market, Waveland, Waynetown, Wingate
• Hens: Generally permitted for personal use. These towns typically allow up to 6 hens on residential lots.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited within these town limits.
• Permit: No annual license is required, but you must comply with "Public Nuisance" laws regarding waste and noise.
• Setback: Enclosures must be at least 15 feet from all property lines.

Crawfordsville

• Hens: Permitted (limit of 6).
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be in the rear yard and at least 20 feet from any neighboring residential structure.
• Permit: No specific animal permit, but permanent coops exceeding 120 sq. ft. require an Improvement Location Permit from the City Planning Department.
• Sanitation: Waste must be removed or composted in a sealed container; odors cannot be detectable at the property line.

Ladoga

• Hens: Permitted (up to 6).
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Permit: No permit required for the birds.
• Rule: Chickens must be kept in a predator-proof coop and run at all times; free-ranging is prohibited within town limits to prevent "running at large" citations.

Linden

• Hens: Maximum of 6 hens.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Space: Must provide at least 4 sq. ft. of interior coop space and 10 sq. ft. of outdoor run space per hen.
• Night Rule: Birds must be locked inside the henhouse between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM for noise mitigation and safety.
• Waste: Manure may not be used for backyard composting within town limits; it must be disposed of in sealed containers.

Morgan County

• Cities/Towns: Bethany, Monrovia, Morgantown, Paragon
• Hens: Generally permitted. Most small towns follow a "6-hen limit" for residential lots.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited within these town limits.
• Permit: No specific animal license is required in most of these smaller towns, but you must adhere to "Nuisance" codes regarding odor and noise.
• Setback: Enclosures must be at least 15-20 feet from any neighboring residential dwelling.

Martinsville

• Status: Prohibited.
• Details: Currently, the city code prohibits "livestock and fowl" in residential districts. While there was a move to update the code in late 2025, the restriction remains in place as of March 2026.
• Exception: Only allowed on properties zoned as Agricultural (A-1).

Source: Martinsville Code of Ordinances § 91.01

Mooresville

• Status: Prohibited (but under review).
• Current Rule: Residential backyard chickens are currently disallowed within town limits.
• Update: In early 2026, the Town Council received a petition with over 400 signatures to allow up to 4 hens. The council has voiced "caution" regarding enforcement, and no final vote to permit them has been cast yet.

Monrovia

• Hens: Permitted (up to 4 hens).
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Requirement: Chickens must be kept in a predator-proof coop and run; free-ranging is not permitted to avoid "running at large" citations.

Newton County

• Cities/Towns: Brook, Goodland, Mount Ayr
• Hens: Permitted. These towns follow a general "Small Flock" allowance of up to 5-6 hens on standard residential lots.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited within these town corporate limits.
• Permit: No annual animal license required, but coops must meet "Accessory Structure" zoning codes.
• Setback: Enclosures must be in the rear yard and at least 15 feet from all property lines.

Kentland

• Hens: Up to 5 hens permitted (Ordinance 2024-05 update).
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops and runs must be 15 feet from property lines and 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Space: Must provide a combined 12 sq. ft. of coop and run space per chicken.
• Screening: A sight fence or shrub screening of at least 4 feet in height is required if the coop is visible from neighboring lots.

Morocco

• Hens: Permitted (up to 6).
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Permit: No bird-specific permit, but the town enforces a strict "No Public Nuisance" policy regarding odors and noise.
• Rule: Chickens must be kept completely and securely enclosed on the owner's property at all times; "free-ranging" into alleys or neighboring yards is a citable offense.

Source: Morocco Town Code § 90.02

Noble County

• Cities/Towns: Avilla, Cromwell, Rome City, Wolcottville
• Hens: Generally permitted. These towns typically allow a "small flock" of up to 5-6 hens.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited within these town limits.
• Permit: Most smaller towns do not require a specific animal permit but enforce strict "Public Nuisance" and "Harboring" laws regarding odors and noise.
• Setback: Enclosures must be in the rear yard and at least 15 feet from all property lines.

Kendallville

• Status: Prohibited.
• Details: City Code Sec. 4.17 explicitly prohibits "raising fowl" within corporate boundaries.
• Exception: Only allowed on parcels of 10 acres or more; coops must be 50 feet from any lot line. Residential backyard chickens are currently illegal for standard city lot owners.

Albion

• Hens: Permitted (limit of 5 on lots under 1 acre; 7 on lots over 1 acre).
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Permit: Required. Must obtain a permit from the City Clerk; permits are valid for two years.
• Setback: 10 feet from property lines and 20 feet from any neighboring residential structure.
• Rule: Slaughtering is strictly prohibited on the property. Enclosures must be constructed to prevent rodents (elevated flooring is recommended).

Ligonier

• Hens: Permitted (up to 6).
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: Follows a "20-foot rule" from neighboring dwellings.
• Requirement: Birds must be contained in a predator-proof coop/run; free-roaming is a citable "running at large" offense.

Ohio County

• Cities/Towns: French, Milton, Rabbit Hash
• Hens: Permitted by right. Outside of Rising Sun, there are no specific hen limits for hobby flocks.
• Roosters: Permitted in rural areas; no specific noise ordinance bans them unless they are deemed a "public nuisance" due to extreme proximity to neighbors.
• Permit: No county-wide permit required for the birds.
• Setback: Standard 20-foot distance from neighboring dwellings is recommended for sanitation.

Rising Sun

• Hens: Up to 6 hens permitted on residential lots.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Setback: Coops must be located in the rear yard and maintain a minimum of 20 feet from any neighboring residential structure.
• Permit: No annual license, but the city’s Access Management and Zoning Ordinance requires coops to be screened from public view.
• Construction: Coops must be "predator-proof" and kept in a clean, dry condition to prevent odors from crossing property lines.

Orange County

• Cities/Towns: French Lick, Orleans, West Baden Springs
• Hens: Generally permitted. Most residential areas in these towns follow a standard limit of 5–6 hens.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited within these town corporate limits.
• Permit: No annual "chicken license" is required, but you must adhere to "Public Nuisance" ordinances regarding odor and noise.
• Setback: Enclosures must be in the rear yard and at least 20 feet from any neighboring residential dwelling.

Paoli

• Hens: Permitted (limit of 6).
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Rule: No "ungulate animals" (hooved) or peacocks/geese are allowed on small lots, but chickens are permitted if secured.
• Enforcement: Under Ordinance 2016-01, "running at large" is strictly illegal. If your chickens leave your property, they can be impounded by the Animal Control Officer (ACO) with a $10–$50 fine.
• Sanitation: Coops must be kept in a clean, humane manner; if the ACO deems the coop a "health hazard," the birds can be removed.

Owen County

• Cities/Towns: Gosport
• Hens: Permitted. Gosport currently follows a "nuisance-based" model rather than a strict numeric cap, though 6 hens is the generally accepted residential limit.
• Roosters: Generally discouraged in the town center but not explicitly banned unless they violate noise ordinances.
• Permit: No annual permit required for the birds.
• Setback: Enclosures must be in the rear yard and at least 20 feet from neighboring dwellings.

Spencer

• Hens: Permitted under the 2026 Domestic Chicken-Keeping Pilot Program. Limits are based on lot size:
  • 0.5 acres or smaller: Max 5 hens.
  • 0.5 to 2 acres: Max 10 hens.
  • 2 acres or larger: Max 20 hens.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Permit: Required. You must apply for a permit and notify all adjacent neighbors of your intent to keep chickens.
• Fencing: Unique Requirement—Chickens must be kept within a rear-yard area enclosed by a 6-foot-tall solid wood privacy fence.
• Setback: The enclosure must be at least 50 feet from any neighboring home and 5 feet from the property line.

Parke County

• Cities/Towns: Bloomingdale, Marshall, Montezuma, Rosedale
• Hens: Permitted. These towns generally allow up to 6–12 hens on residential lots, though most residents stick to a "hobby" count of 6.
• Roosters: Generally discouraged in the town centers; noise complaints are the primary trigger for enforcement.
• Permit: No annual chicken-specific license required.
• Setback: 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling is the standard practice for sanitation.

Rockville

• Hens: Permitted (limit of 6).
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited within city limits.
• Requirement: Birds must be confined to a fenced rear yard; free-roaming is prohibited to protect local gardens and public spaces.
• Sanitation: Under the town's "Health and Sanitation" code, coop waste must be managed so that no "offensive odors" are detectable at the property line.

Perry County

• Cities/Towns: Troy, Leopold, St. Croix
• Hens: Permitted. These areas generally follow a "nuisance-based" model; as long as birds are contained and the coop is clean, there is no strict numeric cap for personal use.
• Roosters: Allowed in rural areas; discouraged in the town center of Troy due to noise ordinances.
• Permit: No annual chicken license required.
• Setback: 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling is the standard sanitation guideline.

Cannelton

• Hens: Permitted. There is no hard cap on the number of hens, provided they are "properly confined."
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited if they create a noise nuisance.
• Rule: Under City Code § 5.01.020, all poultry must be kept within pens or enclosures within your property boundaries.
• Fine: "Running at large" carries a $25 fine for the first offense and $50 for subsequent offenses.
• Sanitation: Owners are required to remove feces promptly and dispose of it in a sanitary manner (sealed containers).

Source: Cannelton City Code Title 5

Tell City

• Status: Prohibited on standard lots.
• Acreage Rule: Keeping of "fowl" is prohibited on any lot or parcel less than three (3) acres in size.
• Nuance: Existing flocks on smaller lots are "grandfathered" only if they do not create a "burdensome nuisance" to neighbors.
• Enforcement: Highly complaint-driven. If you own less than 3 acres, a neighbor petition can trigger the removal of the birds.

Source: Tell City/Hamlet Unified Animal Ordinance § 91.04

Pike County

• Cities/Towns: Spurgeon, Winslow
• Hens: Generally permitted. These towns rely on "Public Nuisance" ordinances rather than a strict numeric cap for personal hobby flocks.
• Roosters: Permitted, subject to local noise and peace ordinances.
• Permit: No annual chicken license is required in these smaller towns.
• Setback: Standard practice follows the 20-foot distance from neighboring residential dwellings to ensure proper sanitation.

Petersburg

• Hens: Permitted (limit of 6 hens).
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited within city limits.
• Rule: Chickens must be kept in a predator-proof coop and run; free-ranging is prohibited.
• Sanitation: Under the 2026 City Health Code Update, owners must dispose of manure in sealed containers or through an approved composting method that does not attract vermin.

Porter County

• Cities/Towns: Hebron, Kouts
• Hens: Permitted. These towns follow a "nuisance-based" model with no strict numeric cap.
• Roosters: Permitted, subject to local noise and peace ordinances.
• Setback: Must be kept 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Permit: No annual license required.

Valparaiso

• Hens: Maximum of 4 hens.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Permit: Required. Must provide a site plan and $25 fee to the Planning Department.
• Setback: 10 feet from all property lines.
• Standards: Coops capped at 75 sq. ft. and 10 feet in height.

Portage

• Hens: Maximum of 5 hens.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Space: Must provide 10 sq. ft. of run space per bird.
• Setback: 10 feet from property lines.

Chesterton

• Hens/Ducks: Maximum of 4 total birds (any mix of hens or female ducks).
• Drakes/Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Lot Size: Only permitted on parcels under 0.5 acres. Larger lots require a variance.

Posey County

• Cities/Towns: Cynthiana, New Harmony
• Hens: Permitted. These towns generally allow a small flock of up to 5 hens for personal use.
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited within these town limits.
• Permit: No annual chicken license is required in most smaller towns.
• Setback: Enclosures must be in the rear yard and at least 20 feet from neighboring dwellings.

Mount Vernon

• Hens: Permitted (limit of 6).
• Roosters: Strictly prohibited.
• Permit: Required. You must file a permit with City Hall and pay a $10 fee.
• Setback: Coops must be 10 feet from property lines and 20 feet from any neighboring residential structure.
• Requirement: A diagram of the coop and its location on the property must be submitted with the permit application.

Poseyville

• Status: Prohibited.
• Details: Ordinance 2020-12-29-1 bans all chickens within town limits.
• Exception: Only 4-H members living at the residence may keep up to 5 chickens for their projects.
• Fine: Violations carry a $25 fine for the first offense, increasing to $250 for repeated failures to remove the birds.

Pulaski County

• Cities/Towns: Francesville, Medaryville, Monterey, Winamac
• Hens: Prohibited. All four incorporated towns explicitly ban poultry on standard residential lots.

Putnam County

• Cities/Towns: Bainbridge, Cloverdale, Fillmore, Roachdale
• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: 20 feet from neighboring homes.

Greencastle

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Permit: Required - ($10 fee).
• Setback: 10 feet from property lines; rear yard only.

Russellville

• Hens: Prohibited.

Randolph County

• Cities/Towns: Farmland, Losantville, Modoc, Parker City, Ridgeville, Saratoga
• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: 15 feet from property lines.

Winchester

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Permit: Required - ($10 annual fee).
• Setback: 20 feet from neighboring dwellings.

Union City

• Hens: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: 10 feet from property lines; rear yard only.

Lynn

• Hens: Prohibited.

Ripley County

• Cities/Towns: Milan, Osgood, Sunman, Versailles
• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: 20 feet from neighboring dwellings.

Batesville

• Hens: Prohibited.

Holton

• Hens: Permitted for personal use.
• Roosters: Permitted.
• Setback: Standard nuisance rules apply for personal flocks.

Rush County

• Cities/Towns: Carthage
• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: 20 feet from neighboring dwellings.

Rushville

• Hens: Prohibited.

Glenwood

• Hens: Up to 10 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: 15 feet from property lines; 20 feet from any dwelling.
• Rule: Requires 4-foot tall screening (fence/shrubs) if visible to neighbors.

Scott County

• Cities/Towns: Austin, Scottsburg
• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: 20 feet from neighboring dwellings.

Scottsburg

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Permit: Required ($10 one-time fee).
• Setback: 15 feet from property lines; rear yard only.

Austin

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: 50 feet from neighboring dwellings.

Shelby County

• Cities/Towns: Fairland, Morristown, St. Paul, Waldron
• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: 15–20 feet from property lines.

Shelbyville

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Zoning Rule: Prohibited in R-4 (High Density), MHP (Mobile Home Parks), and multi-family units.
• Housing: Coops must provide 4 sq. ft. per bird and be at least 18 inches high.
• Setback: Enclosures must be 2 feet away from any property line or public walkway.

Morristown

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Permit: Required.
• Setback: 50 feet from property.
• Rule: No sales of eggs or fertilizer permitted.

St. Paul

• Hens: Up to 6 hens (Tier One); 7–15 hens (Tier Two).
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Permit: Required ($26 for Tier One; $76 for Tier Two).
• Setback: 5 feet from property lines; rear yard only.
• Requirement: Tier Two requires a petition signed by 75% of neighbors within 150 feet.

Spencer County

Dale, Grandview, Rockport, Santa Claus

• Hens: Prohibited.

Chrisney, Gentryville, Richland City

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: 20 feet from neighboring dwellings; rear yard only.

St. Joseph County

Mishawaka, South Bend

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Permit: Required ($20 fee).
• Setback: 15 feet from property lines; 20 feet from neighbors.

Indian Village, Lakeville, New Carlisle, North Liberty, Osceola, Walkerton

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Permit: Not required.
• Setback: 15 feet from property lines; rear yard only.

Roseland

• Hens: Prohibited.

Starke County

Hamlet

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Permit: Required ($20 annual fee).
• Setback: 15 feet from property lines; 20 feet from neighbors.

Knox

• Hens: Permitted via Special Use Permit.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Process: Requires a hearing with the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA).

North Judson

• Hens: Up to 4 (on less than 1 acre); Up to 6 (on 1–3 acres).
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Lot Size: Minimum 1/3 acre required.
• Permit: Required ($10 per chicken).
• Setback: 50 feet from neighboring dwellings.

Steuben County

Angola

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Permit: Required ($25 fee).
• Setback: 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling; rear yard only.

Ashley, Hudson

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Permit: Required ($10 annual fee).
• Setback: 10 feet from property lines; 25 feet from neighbor's structures.

Fremont, Orland

• Hens: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: 15 feet from property lines.

Clear Lake, Hamilton

• Hens: Prohibited.
• Details: These lakeside communities strictly ban poultry on residential lots to prevent runoff and noise in high-density vacation areas.

Sullivan County

• Cities/Towns: Dugger, Hymera, Merom, Shelburn
• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: 100 feet from any neighboring dwelling (Dugger/Shelburn).

Sullivan (City)

• Hens: Up to 4 chickens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.

Farmersburg

• Hens: Prohibited.

Switzerland County

Vevay

• Hens: No hen limit.
• Roosters: Prohibited.

Patriot

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Permitted.
• Setback: 20 feet from neighboring dwellings.

Tippecanoe County

Lafayette

• Hens: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Permit: Required.
• Setback: 10 feet from property lines; 20 feet from any neighbor's dwelling.

West Lafayette

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Permit: Required ($25 fee).
• Setback: 15 feet from property lines; rear yard only.

Battle Ground, Clarks Hill, Dayton, Shadeland

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: 20 feet from neighboring dwellings.

Otterbein

• Hens: Prohibited.

Tipton County

Sharpsville

• Hens: Permitted.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Permit: Required.

Kempton, Windfall City

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: 20 feet from neighboring dwellings.

Union County

• Cities/Towns: Liberty, West College Corner
• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Permit: Required.
• Setback: 10-20 feet from neighboring dwellings.

Vanderburgh County

Evansville

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Permit: Required ($5 annual fee per premises).
• Setback: 50 feet from any neighboring dwelling.

Darmstadt

• Hens: Permitted.
• Roosters: Permitted.
• Setback: 20 feet from property lines.

Vermillion County

• Cities/Towns: Cayuga, Dana, Newport, Perrysville
• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: 20 feet from neighboring dwellings.

Clinton

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Permit: Required ($25 annual fee).
• Setback: 10 feet from property lines; rear or side yard only.

Vigo County

Terre Haute

• Hens: Up to 8 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Permit: Required.
• Lot Size: Minimum 4,800 sq. ft. required.
• Setback: Coops must be 12 feet from property lines and 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
• Rule: Selling eggs or meat is prohibited.

West Terre Haute

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: 25 feet from any neighboring dwelling; rear yard only.

Riley, Seelyville

• Hens: No hen limit but 6 is the recommended "nuisance limit").
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: 50 feet from property lines.

Wabash County

North Manchester

• Hens: 5 to 15 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Permit: Required.
• Setback: Backyard only

Wabash (City)

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: 15 feet from property lines.

Roann, Lagro

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Permit: Not required.
• Setback: 20 feet from neighboring dwellings.

Warren County

• Cities/Towns: Pine Village, State Line City, West Lebanon, Williamsport
• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited within town corporate limits.
• Setback: 15 feet from property lines; 20 feet from neighbor's dwelling.

Warrick County

Boonville

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Permit: Required ($10 annual fee).
• Setback: 25 feet from property lines; rear yard only.

Chandler

• Hens: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Permit: No fee, but registration with the Town Clerk is required.
• Setback: 5 feet from property lines; 20 feet from any neighbor's dwelling.

Newburgh

• Hens: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Permit: Required ($25 one-time application).
• Setback: 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling; rear yard only.

Elberfeld, Lynnville, Tennyson

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: 15 feet from property lines.

Washington County

Salem

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Permit: Required.
• Setback: 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling; rear yard only.
• Rule: Updated in mid-2025 to include a "predator-proof" construction standard for all coops within city limits.

Campbellsburg

• Hens: Up to 4 hens.
• Lot Size: Minimum 0.5 acres required.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Permit: Required ($50 one-time fee).
• Setback: 10 feet from property lines.

New Pekin, Hardinsburg

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: 25 feet from property lines.

Little York, Livonia, Saltillo

• Hens: No hen limit.
• Roosters: Permitted.

Wayne County

Greens Fork

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Permit: Required.

Dublin & Fountain City

• Hens: Prohibited on lots under 3 acres.

Spring Grove

• Hens: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling; 12 feet from property lines.

Economy, Whitewater, & Boston

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Generally discouraged.
• Permit: Not required."

Richmond

• Hens: Up to 3 hens. Backyard only
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Lot Size: Minimum 1/5 acre required.
• Variances: To keep more than 3 hens, residents must apply for a variance through the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA).

Centerville

• Hens: Up to 10 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Permit: Required.

Cambridge City, Hagerstown, Milton

• Hens: Up to 20 hens allowed on tracts of 3–5 acres.

Wells County

Standard County Rules (Ossian, Poneto, Uniondale, Vera Cruz, Zanesville)

These towns generally follow the Wells County "Domestic Fowl" guide for residential lots:

• Hens: Up to 3 female chickens. Rear yard
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Permit: Required.

Bluffton

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Permit: Conditional Use Permit required.
• Note: Existing roosters were "grandfathered in" as of late 2024, but no new roosters are permitted.

Markle

• Hens: Up to 8 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Placement: Side or Rear yard.

White County

Monticello

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Permit: Required.
• Setback: 15 feet from property lines; 25 feet from any neighboring residence.

Brookston

• Hens: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: 20 feet from neighboring dwellings.

Chalmers & Reynolds

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.

Monon

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Permit: No formal fee, but placement must be approved by the Zoning Administrator.

Wolcott

• Hens: Prohibited (on lots less than 2 acres).

Burnettsville

• Hens: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Setback: 10 feet from property lines.

Whitley County

Columbia City

• Hens: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Permit: Required.
• Setback: 15 feet from property lines; rear yard only.

Churubusco

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.

South Whitley

• Hens: Up to 4 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.
• Permit: Required.
• Setback: 20 feet from any neighboring dwelling.

Larwill

• Hens: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Prohibited.

Rural Indiana & Unincorporated Areas

Indiana has 92 counties, and rules in unincorporated areas are set by county zoning. These areas are overwhelmingly chicken-friendly, but 2026 state law now provides extra protections and definitions for small-scale producers.

• Hen Limits: Generally none on land zoned Agricultural (A). On Rural Residential (RR) lots, limits are often based on "Animal Units" (e.g., 0.05 units per bird). If your lot is over 2–5 acres, you are rarely restricted.
• Roosters: Legal by default in rural areas. However, under 2026 nuisance standards, even rural roosters can be cited if they are kept in a way that violates "Standards of Care" or local noise ordinances near established subdivisions.
• The 2026 "Homestead Vendor" Rule: New state law (HB 1424) allows small farms and homesteaders to sell eggs and meat directly from their property with significantly reduced health department oversight, provided annual sales are under $1.5 million.
• Premises ID: While a local permit is rare, Indiana BOAH requires a "Premises ID" for any site housing poultry. It is free and used only for disease tracking (like Avian Flu).
• Setbacks: Typically 50 feet from property lines for livestock structures in rural zones, though this drops to 10–20 feet in residential-leaning "clusters."

Tip: Always check if your property is in a "Microfarm Zone." A 2026 initiative has encouraged counties to create these zones for lots under 5 acres, allowing higher bird counts than standard residential zoning would typically permit.