Tennessee Backyard Chicken Laws: Permits, Limits, and Setbacks by City and County
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Tennessee Statewide Laws
Can I keep chickens in a Tennessee city?
Usually yes, if the city allows it. Nashville ties hens to lot size and requires an annual permit. Knoxville allows up to 6 hens with a permit. Chattanooga and Clarksville allow up to 8 hens with a permit. Memphis allows up to 8 hens with no city hen permit. Hendersonville bans backyard chickens.
Is there a statewide hen limit?
No. Cities and counties set hen numbers, rooster rules, permits, and setbacks. The Right to Farm Act (Tenn. Code Ann. § 43-26-103) can protect a qualifying farm. It does not replace a city ordinance or an HOA covenant.
Where hens are allowed, coops are often 10–25 feet from a neighbor’s house and limited to the rear yard.
Official Sources & Data Integrity
We reference Tennessee municipal bylaws and ordinances from verified platforms like ecode360.com, municode.com, and local government websites at the time of publication. You can review state-level rules via Tennessee Department of Agriculture Poultry Processing page.
Note: Not specified means the city code does not set that number.
⚠️ Important: Tennessee ordinances may change without notice. Always verify the current rules with your local jurisdiction and any HOA before keeping chickens.
Tennessee Major Cities Ordinances
Nashville, TN
Hen Limit: Up to 2 hens (under 5,000 sq ft); 4 hens (5,000–10,236 sq ft); 6 hens (over 10,236 sq ft) | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring residences
Memphis, TN
Hen Limit: Up to 8 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; rear yard
Knoxville, TN
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring residences
Chattanooga, TN
Hen Limit: Up to 8 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; rear yard
Clarksville, TN
Hen Limit: Up to 8 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from side lines; 25 ft from any dwelling
Murfreesboro, TN
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring dwellings
Franklin, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Johnson City, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Required if within 1,000 ft of neighbors | Setback: 1,000 ft from neighboring residences or businesses without Health Officer approval
Jackson, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 1,000 ft from adjacent residences or businesses without Health Officer approval
Hendersonville, TN
Hendersonville, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Tennessee Ordinances by City & County
Anderson County, TN
Clinton, TN
Clinton, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Norris, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Oak Ridge, TN
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 25 ft from neighboring dwellings; rear yard
Rocky Top, TN
Rocky Top, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Bedford County, TN
Shelbyville, TN
Hen Limit: Allowed except R4 and MHP zones | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; no front yard
Benton County, TN
Camden, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Bledsoe County, TN
Pikeville, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Blount County, TN
Alcoa, TN
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 25 ft from neighboring dwellings; rear yard
Louisville, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Maryville, TN
Maryville, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits except agricultural zones
Bradley County, TN
Cleveland, TN
Cleveland, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits except AG districts
Campbell County, TN
Caryville, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Jacksboro, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Required if within 1,000 ft of neighbors | Setback: 1,000 ft from neighboring residences without Health Officer approval
Jellico, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
La Follette, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Cannon County, TN
Woodbury, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Carroll County, TN
Bruceton, TN
Bruceton, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Huntingdon, TN
Huntingdon, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
McKenzie, TN
McKenzie, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Carter County, TN
Elizabethton, TN
Elizabethton, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Cheatham County, TN
Ashland City, TN
Hen Limit: Allowed on 5+ acres | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 1,000 ft from neighbors without Health Officer approval
Kingston Springs, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines
Pegram, TN
Hen Limit: Up to 25 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines and neighboring residences; rear yard
Pleasant View, TN
Pleasant View, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Chester County, TN
Henderson, TN
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 40 ft from neighboring dwellings
Claiborne County, TN
Harrogate, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Required if within 1,000 ft of neighbors | Setback: 1,000 ft from neighboring residences without Health Officer approval
New Tazewell, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Required if within 1,000 ft of neighbors | Setback: 1,000 ft from neighboring residences without Health Officer approval
Tazewell, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Required if within 1,000 ft of neighbors | Setback: 1,000 ft from neighboring residences without Health Officer approval
Clay County, TN
Celina, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Cocke County, TN
Newport, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Coffee County, TN
Manchester, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Tullahoma, TN
Tullahoma, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Crockett County, TN
Alamo, TN
Alamo, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Bells, TN
Bells, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Cumberland County, TN
Crossville, TN
Crossville, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Davidson County, TN
Belle Meade, TN
Belle Meade, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Berry Hill, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Required if within 1,000 ft of neighbors | Setback: 1,000 ft from neighboring residences without Health Officer approval
Forest Hills, TN
Forest Hills, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Goodlettsville, TN
Hen Limit: 6 hens on lots under 1 acre; higher on larger lots | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring dwellings
Oak Hill, TN
Oak Hill, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Decatur County, TN
Parsons, TN
Parsons, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens in residential zones
DeKalb County, TN
Smithville, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Required if within 1,000 ft of neighbors | Setback: 1,000 ft from neighboring residences without Health Officer approval
Dickson County, TN
Burns, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Charlotte, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Dickson, TN
Dickson, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
White Bluff, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Dyer County, TN
Dyersburg, TN
Dyersburg, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Newbern, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Fayette County, TN
Oakland, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Piperton, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Rossville, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Somerville, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Fentress County, TN
Jamestown, TN
Hen Limit: Up to 8 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 50 ft from other residences; 35 ft from the owner’s residence
Franklin County, TN
Cowan, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Decherd, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Estill Springs, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Winchester, TN
Winchester, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Gibson County, TN
Bradford, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Dyer, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Humboldt, TN
Humboldt, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Kenton, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Medina, TN
Medina, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Milan, TN
Milan, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Rutherford, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Trenton, TN
Trenton, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Giles County, TN
Ardmore, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 200 ft from neighboring residences
Pulaski, TN
Pulaski, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Grainger County, TN
Bean Station, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 1,000 ft from neighboring dwellings
Blaine, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Rutledge, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Greene County, TN
Greeneville, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Mosheim, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Tusculum, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Grundy County, TN
Altamont, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Gruetli-Laager, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Monteagle, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Tracy City, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Hamblen County, TN
Morristown, TN
Morristown, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Hamilton County, TN
Collegedale, TN
Hen Limit: Not allowed on lots under 2 acres | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 50 ft from property lines
East Ridge, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required if within 1,000 ft of neighbors | Setback: 1,000 ft from neighboring residences without Health Officer approval
Lakesite, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Required if within 1,000 ft of neighbors | Setback: 1,000 ft from neighboring residences without Health Officer approval
Lookout Mountain, TN
Lookout Mountain, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Red Bank, TN
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens (lots under 2 acres); 8 hens (2+ acres) | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines
Signal Mountain, TN
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 20 ft from any dwelling
Soddy-Daisy, TN
Soddy-Daisy, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens in residential zones except A-1
Walden, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Required if within 1,000 ft of neighbors | Setback: 1,000 ft from neighboring residences without Health Officer approval
Hancock County, TN
Sneedville, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Hardeman County, TN
Bolivar, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Whiteville, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Hardin County, TN
Savannah, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Hawkins County, TN
Church Hill, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Required if within 1,000 ft of neighbors | Setback: 1,000 ft from neighboring residences without Health Officer approval
Mount Carmel, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Required if within 1,000 ft of neighbors | Setback: 1,000 ft from neighboring residences without Health Officer approval
Rogersville, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Required if within 1,000 ft of neighbors | Setback: 1,000 ft from neighboring residences without Health Officer approval
Surgoinsville, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Required if within 1,000 ft of neighbors | Setback: 1,000 ft from neighboring residences without Health Officer approval
Haywood County, TN
Brownsville, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Henderson County, TN
Lexington, TN
Lexington, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Henry County, TN
Paris, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Hickman County, TN
Centerville, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Required if within 1,000 ft of neighbors | Setback: 1,000 ft from neighboring residences without Health Officer approval
Houston County, TN
Erin, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Tennessee Ridge, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Humphreys County, TN
McEwen, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
New Johnsonville, TN
Hen Limit: Not allowed on lots under 5 acres | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 1,000 ft from any residence or business
Waverly, TN
Hen Limit: Up to 3 hens (1 acre or less); 4 hens (over 1 acre) | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 30 ft from any dwelling, street, or public area
Jefferson County, TN
Dandridge, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Required if within 1,000 ft of neighbors | Setback: 1,000 ft from neighboring residences without Health Officer approval
Jefferson City, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 100 ft from a neighbor’s dwelling
New Market, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Required if within 1,000 ft of neighbors | Setback: 1,000 ft from neighboring residences without Health Officer approval
White Pine, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Required if within 1,000 ft of neighbors | Setback: 1,000 ft from neighboring residences without Health Officer approval
Johnson County, TN
Mountain City, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Knox County, TN
Farragut, TN
Farragut, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens in residential zones except agricultural zones
Lake County, TN
Ridgely, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Required if within 1,000 ft of neighbors | Setback: 1,000 ft from neighboring residences without Health Officer approval
Tiptonville, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Required if within 1,000 ft of neighbors | Setback: 1,000 ft from neighboring residences without Health Officer approval
Lauderdale County, TN
Halls, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Ripley, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Lawrence County, TN
Lawrenceburg, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Loretto, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Lewis County, TN
Hohenwald, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Lincoln County, TN
Fayetteville, TN
Fayetteville, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Loudon County, TN
Greenback, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Lenoir City, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Loudon, TN
Loudon, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Macon County, TN
Lafayette, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Required if within 1,000 ft of neighbors | Setback: 1,000 ft from neighboring dwellings without Health Officer approval
Red Boiling Springs, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Madison County, TN
Three Way, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Marion County, TN
Jasper, TN
Hen Limit: Up to 8 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines; 2-acre minimum for farm animals
Kimball, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Required if within 1,000 ft of neighbors | Setback: 1,000 ft from neighboring residences without Health Officer approval
Powells Crossroads, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
South Pittsburg, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Whitwell, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Marshall County, TN
Chapel Hill, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Cornersville, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Lewisburg, TN
Lewisburg, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Maury County, TN
Columbia, TN
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 20 ft from neighboring dwellings
Mount Pleasant, TN
Mount Pleasant, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Spring Hill, TN
Hen Limit: Allowed on lots of 1 acre or more | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 50 ft from property lines
McMinn County, TN
Athens, TN
Athens, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits except on 5+ contiguous acres
Englewood, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Etowah, TN
Etowah, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
McNairy County, TN
Adamsville, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Required if within 1,000 ft of neighbors | Setback: 1,000 ft from neighboring residences without Health Officer approval
Selmer, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Meigs County, TN
Decatur, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Monroe County, TN
Madisonville, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Sweetwater, TN
Sweetwater, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Vonore, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Required if within 1,000 ft of neighbors | Setback: 1,000 ft from neighboring residences without Health Officer approval
Moore County, TN
Lynchburg, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Obion County, TN
South Fulton, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Troy, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Union City, TN
Union City, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Overton County, TN
Livingston, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Perry County, TN
Linden, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Polk County, TN
Benton, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Putnam County, TN
Algood, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Baxter, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Cookeville, TN
Cookeville, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Monterey, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Rhea County, TN
Dayton, TN
Dayton, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Graysville, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Spring City, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Roane County, TN
Harriman, TN
Harriman, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits except agricultural zones on 5+ acres
Kingston, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Oliver Springs, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Required if within 1,000 ft of neighbors | Setback: 1,000 ft from neighboring residences without Health Officer approval
Rockwood, TN
Rockwood, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Robertson County, TN
Coopertown, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Cross Plains, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Greenbrier, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Required if within 1,000 ft of neighbors | Setback: 1,000 ft from neighboring residences without Health Officer approval
Orlinda, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Ridgetop, TN
Ridgetop, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Springfield, TN
Springfield, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
White House, TN
White House, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Rutherford County, TN
La Vergne, TN
La Vergne, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Smyrna, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Required if within 1,000 ft | Setback: 1,000 ft from any residence or public road
Scott County, TN
Huntsville, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Oneida, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Winfield, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Sequatchie County, TN
Dunlap, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Sevier County, TN
Gatlinburg, TN
Gatlinburg, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Pigeon Forge, TN
Pigeon Forge, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Sevierville, TN
Sevierville, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Shelby County, TN
Arlington, TN
Hen Limit: 4 hens; 5–10 hens on 0.5+ acre | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 50 ft from nearest house for 5+ chickens
Bartlett, TN
Hen Limit: Up to 8 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required if exceeding 8 total pets | Setback: Not specified
Collierville, TN
Collierville, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens in residential zones except R-1A or AG
Germantown, TN
Germantown, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits except agricultural zones
Lakeland, TN
Lakeland, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Millington, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Smith County, TN
Carthage, TN
Carthage, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Gordonsville, TN
Gordonsville, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
South Carthage, TN
South Carthage, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Stewart County, TN
Dover, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Sullivan County, TN
Bluff City, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Bristol, TN
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighbors
Kingsport, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Sumner County, TN
Gallatin, TN
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring dwellings
Millersville, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Required if within 1,000 ft of neighbors | Setback: 1,000 ft from neighboring residences without Health Officer approval
Portland, TN
Hen Limit: 3 hens (7,000–10,000 sq ft); 6 hens (10,000–20,000 sq ft) | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring dwellings
Westmoreland, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Tipton County, TN
Atoka, TN
Hen Limit: Allowed on 5+ acres | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines
Brighton, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Covington, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Mason, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Munford, TN
Munford, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Trousdale County, TN
Hartsville, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Unicoi County, TN
Erwin, TN
Erwin, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Unicoi, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Union County, TN
Luttrell, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Maynardville, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Plainview, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Van Buren County, TN
Spencer, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Warren County, TN
McMinnville, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Washington County, TN
Jonesborough, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Wayne County, TN
Clifton, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Waynesboro, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Weakley County, TN
Dresden, TN
Dresden, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Gleason, TN
Gleason, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Greenfield, TN
Greenfield, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Martin, TN
Martin, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
White County, TN
Sparta, TN
Sparta, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens within city limits
Williamson County, TN
Brentwood, TN
Brentwood, TN has a total ban on backyard chickens in residential zones
Fairview, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Nolensville, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Thompson's Station, TN
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens on lots under 1 acre | Roosters: Not Allowed on lots under 5 acres | Permit: Not required | Setback: 20 ft from property lines; rear yard
Wilson County, TN
Lebanon, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Required if within 1,000 ft | Setback: 1,000 ft from any residence or street without permit
Mount Juliet, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified; not allowed in subdivisions under 1 acre | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines
Watertown, TN
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Unincorporated Areas & Rural Counties
Tennessee has 95 counties and a large share of land sits outside city limits. On that land, flock rules usually come from county zoning and health codes, not a city hen ordinance. The Right to Farm Act (Tenn. Code Ann. § 43-26-103) can protect a qualifying farm from some nuisance claims. It does not set a hen number or ban roosters.
Unincorporated areas are often more open than the nearest city: few numeric caps, roosters more often allowed, and personal flocks rarely need a county permit. Accessory-building setbacks still apply. A suburban or PUD zoning district in the same county can be as tight as a city lot.
Places such as Seymour, Powell, and Harrison are unincorporated communities. They follow the county planning office, not a separate city council. Always check the tax map and zoning district before you keep birds.
Zoning, Permits, Coops, and HOAs
Tennessee lets counties adopt zoning under Tenn. Code Ann. § 13-7-101. A coop is almost always an accessory structure, so height, lot coverage, and yard placement follow that zoning map even when the animal code never names a hen limit.
Cities can add a local hen permit or annual registration under municipal police power (Tenn. Code Ann. § 6-54-113). There is no statewide backyard poultry license. Unincorporated lots often need no animal permit; a building permit can still apply if the coop is a permanent structure.
The Right to Farm Act (Tenn. Code Ann. § 43-26-103) can shield a qualifying farm. It does not cancel a residential zoning district or a recorded HOA covenant. If the deed or bylaws ban poultry, that private rule controls the lot.
State nuisance law (Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-3-101) still applies to waste and carcass disposal. Check the deed, the zoning office, and the building department before you set a coop.
Selling Backyard Eggs in Tennessee
Small flocks can sell eggs direct to the end consumer without a commercial plant. Keep the sale personal-use. Do not sell those cartons to a store for resale unless you meet the commercial path (Tenn. Code Ann. § 53-1-115).
Producers under 3,000 hens stay outside most federal grading rules. State labeling still applies. Tennessee Department of Agriculture Rule 0080-04-10-.04 wants the producer name, address, and the word Ungraded on the carton.
Hold eggs clean and cold, about 35°F–45°F, so they are not treated as adulterated food under Tenn. Code Ann. § 53-1-104. A city hen permit is not an egg license. Columbia and other towns can still bar on-site sales even when state law allows a farm-gate carton.
Tennessee Poultry Slaughter Rules
Birds you raise and process for your household, nonpaying guests, and employees are exempt from inspection under the Meat and Poultry Inspection Act (Tenn. Code Ann. § 53-7-209).
Meat from a yard bird cannot be sold unless it is processed in an inspected plant under § 53-7-205 or it fits a federal small-producer exemption (1,000 or 20,000 birds) and stays a direct, sanitary sale.
Cities can still ban slaughter in a residential yard even when the state exemption exists. Check the local animal section before you process a bird on the lot.
Essential Guides for Backyard Chicken Success
Because Tennessee rolling hills mean you need a versatile build, our level-base coop plans work on various terrains while keeping predators out. For ongoing care, view our Ultimate Backyard Chicken Coop Management Guide.