Raising Chickens & Ducks in the County

Interested in Raising Chickens & Ducks in the County?

According to county ordinance, pet owners need to adhere to the following guidelines for raising chickens in residential districts:

• A County resident keeping chickens or ducks on a lot less than 40,000 square feet for any length of time must obtain and maintain a license.
• Keeping of ducks and chickens on lots greater than 40,000 square feet does not require an Anne Arundel County License.
• Coops and enclosures for chickens or ducks on lots less than 40,000 square feet shall be located at least 25 feet from side or rear lot lines and five feet from an onsite dwelling.

Additional requirements including minimum lot size and maximum number of chickens, can be found here.

For more information:
Visit the Anne Arundel County website or contact the county’s Office of Planning & Zoning located at 2664 Riva Road Annapolis, MD 21401, by calling (410) 222-7450