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Chicken Permit

Baltimore City Backyard Chicken Rules & Regulations

Page 9 of the Baltimore City Health Department Regulations for Wild, Exotic and Hybrid Animals 
September 26, 2013 Law Supersedes Earlier Versions
  • No Roosters (Male Chickens)
  • Maximum of 4 hens on property under 2,000 square feet, +1 hen for additional 1,000 square feet, up to a maximum of 10 hens. Urban gardens or agricultural enterprises may apply for more than 10 hens. See law for details.
  • The chickens' home may not be closer than 15 feet from a residence.
  • The law requires a minimum of two square feet of space per hen, but to keep healthy and happy chickens, you should give them at an absolute minimum of 4 square feet indoors with at least 8 square feet outdoors. 
  • Please read the law for the official language and additional regulations.
Read the Law »
Please contact us if the link is broken.

Baltimore City Backyard Chicken Permit

To obtain a Baltimore City backyard chicken permit, submit a Baltimore City Health Department Bureau of Environmental Health Office of Animal Control Exotic Pet Application.
  • You need to have your chicken habitat established.
  • You can apply before or immediately after acquiring the chickens.
  • One-Time Fee $80
  • The permit attaches to the applicant and the property for the term of your residency.
  • Application requires pictures
  • Application requires an affidavit stating that you do not abuse animals
  • Register your chickens with Maryland State »
  • After you submit the application, an animal control representative will inspect your chickens and chicken coop.
  • After your inspection, you will receive the permit in the mail.
View the Permit Application »
Please contact us if the link is broken.

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From specific regulations to urban climate and predatory risks, Baltimore City presents unique challenges for chicken keepers. Although much of the information available from Bmore Chickens is applicable to chicken keeping in other geographic areas, Bmore Chickens is focused on the programs and challenges of keeping chickens as pets only in Baltimore City. 

Bmore Chickens periodically checks on the continued accuracy of all Baltimore City and Maryland state regulatory information and external links to resources. Please contact us regarding any outdated information or broken hyperlinks.

Bmore Chickens is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, care, and treatment. When dealing with poultry illness or disease, always seek professional veterinary help for your chickens. 
  • Beginners
    • Getting Started Checklist
    • Baltimore City Regulations & Permit
    • Maryland Regulations
    • Baltimore City Chicken Keepers Community Group
  • Books
  • Veterinarians
  • Rescue