Support Us Button Widget

What to know about owning chickens in Winston-Salem

We’re breaking down the rules so you don’t run a-fowl of the city ordinance.

Three chickens, a brown, a white, and a black and white one, roam in fallen leaves among trees. A chicken coop and shed are in the distance.

You can let chickens roam on your property but they can’t get loose.

Photo by WStoday

If you’ve been hunting + pecking for information about owning chickens within Winston-Salem city limits, allow us to break down the rules found in section 6-6 of the city code.

You no longer need a permit to raise chickens. You can have up to five hens or other fowl on your property — no roosters are allowed. In 2022, City Council also voted in favor of reducing the distance to property lines from 100 ft to 20 ft. When it comes to the location on your property, there are some additional rules:

  • Coops and runs must be in your backyard.
  • Runs must be enclosed and at least 4-ft high.
  • Runs must provide 10 sqft per chicken.
  • Coops must be inside the run.

If you’re raising chickens for meat, slaughtering must happen away from public view. Noisy birds can result in a class three misdemeanor + a fine up to $500 (see section 6-8). The Community Development Department is responsible for enforcing the rules.

More from WStoday
For the new year, we’re asking readers to submit their top questions about the Twin City for us to answer.
If you don’t have coffee already in hand, consider this your sign to grab some.
What are the highs and lows when it comes to snow storms in The Twin City, and can you expect a white Christmas this year?
It’s that time of year again — Spotify Wrapped is out, and so is ours. Ready to see how our year stacked up?
The university’s foundation purchased the property to accommodate future growth.
Hit the road and head to the Port City. We’re sharing all the details about what to do and eat, plus where to stay.
Mayor Allen Joines calls plans for the major mixed-use development “a roadmap to a new era of vibrancy and opportunity” for Winston-Salem.
From historic charm to modern vibrancy, the Twin City offers a unique mix of tradition and innovation.
We asked an artificial intelligence site to come up with a movie plot fit for the Hallmark Channel. The result is a love story with the backdrop of some of Winston-Salem’s most iconic spots.
Dig into Winston-Salem’s must-try pizza shops, including some that have gotten national attention and are loved by locals.