Cheatham County approves rules for backyard chickens, bans roosters and sets siting limits

The Cheatham County Legislative Body voted Oct. 17 to amend Sections 6.043, 6.044 and 6.045 of the county Zoning Resolution to permit domesticated chickens subject to detailed standards.

The ordinance change allows up to 25 domesticated chickens per property, prohibits roosters and requires animals be kept outside of habitation in predator-proof enclosures comprised of a covered chicken house (minimum two square feet per bird) and a fenced run (minimum six square feet per bird). Coops and runs must be located in rear yards only, at least 25 feet from any residential structure other than the owner’s residence and at least 25 feet from any property line. Food must be stored inside or in weather-resistant, animal-proof containers. The amendment excludes other poultry (ducks, geese, quail, pigeons, guinea fowl, peafowl, turkeys) from the definition of “domesticated chickens.”

Chairman Tim Williamson opened the hearing on the proposed change; no members of the public spoke for or against the amendment during the advertised hearing. The motion to adopt the amendment was made by Commissioner Walter Weakley and seconded by Commissioner David Anderson; a roll-call vote recorded 11 yes, 0 no, 1 absent (Mike Breedlove).

County staff explained the technical standards in the text at the meeting; the change is now part of the county’s Zoning Resolution and will govern accessory-use rules for residential properties where domesticated chickens are kept. The ordinance text specifies sanitation and ventilation requirements intended to limit noise and odor impacts on neighboring lots.

Next steps: the amendment takes effect as part of the Zoning Resolution once the resolution is signed and recorded. Residents who plan to keep chickens should consult the county’s building and zoning office for any permit or inspection requirements and to confirm setbacks for their lots.