Washington D.C. Backyard Chicken Laws: Permits, Limits and Setbacks by Ward and Neighborhood

Last Updated: September 4, 2026

Overview of Washington D.C. Chicken Laws

One District rule applies in every ward: 24 DCMR § 902 (Animal Control — Fowl). A yearly permit is required before birds arrive. There is no published hen number. The coop may not sit within 50 ft of any building used for human habitation. It also may not sit within 250 ft of any property line unless you file written consent from every householder and owner within 100 ft of the premises and in the same square. A plat from the District Surveyor must go with the application.

⚠️ Important: Washington D.C. ordinances may change without notice. Always verify the current rules with your local jurisdiction and any HOA before starting a flock.

Official Sources & Data Integrity

District Of Columbia Municipal Regulations For Animal Control

Note: Not specified means no specific requirement was identified in the applicable municipal sources reviewed.

Districtwide Quick Rules

Hen Limit: Not specified. The application lists the kind and number of fowl; DC Health approves that count with the permit.

Roosters: Not specified in § 902. Noise and nuisance rules still apply.

Permit: Required. Annual. Issued after inspection and approval of the enclosure.

Setback: 50 ft from any building used for human habitation. 250 ft from any property line, or written consent of all householders and owners within 100 ft of the premises and in the same square.

Washington D.C. Ordinances by Ward & Neighborhood

Ward 1, DC

Adams Morgan, DC

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not specified | Permit: Required | Setback: 50 ft from any building used for human habitation; 250 ft from any property line, or written consent of all householders and owners within 100 ft of the premises and in the same square

Columbia Heights, DC

Ward 2, DC

Georgetown, DC

Dupont Circle, DC

Foggy Bottom, DC

Ward 3, DC

Tenleytown, DC

Chevy Chase, DC

Ward 4, DC

Petworth, DC

Ward 5, DC

Brookland, DC

Ward 6, DC

Capitol Hill, DC

Shaw, DC

Ward 7, DC

Deanwood, DC

Hillbrook, DC

Ward 8, DC

Anacostia, DC

Congress Heights, DC

Lot Size Notes by Ward

Rowhouse wards (1, 2, and 6) almost never meet the 50 ft dwelling test or the 250 ft lot-line test. Written consents are the usual path. Detached and semi-detached lots in Wards 3, 4, and 5 can sometimes meet the 50 ft dwelling test; the 250 ft lot-line test still usually needs letters. Deeper lots in Wards 7 and 8 help with distance, but basement units and ADUs still count as buildings used for human habitation.

Zoning, Permits & HOA Notes

A coop is an accessory structure. The Department of Buildings may review size and placement. Georgetown and Capitol Hill historic review can apply to a visible coop. An HOA or condo board can ban birds even if DC Health would issue a permit. The § 902 application must include a District Surveyor plat.

Selling Backyard Eggs in Washington D.C.

Shell eggs are not a cottage-food item. Cottage food covers shelf-stable foods that do not need refrigeration.

Keep eggs clean and cold if you sell them. Sales to the public fall under DC Health food rules, not the fowl-keeping permit alone.

Essential Guides for Backyard Chicken Success

Measure the yard before you order chicks. Most D.C. lots fail the 50 ft / 250 ft tests, so the real first job is the plat and neighbor letters, then the Health permit. After that, build a compact, rat-tight house that fits an alley lot. Build the weekend coop

Once the hens are legal, keep the run dry, store feed in metal cans, and lock birds in before dusk. Raise and manage the flock