About
On November 18th 2013, The Anne Arundel County Council passed Bill 79-13 regarding chickens and ducks in residential districts. The bill permits keeping or maintaining chickens and ducks on a lot of less than 40,000 square feet. Roosters are strictly prohibited on lots less than 40,000 square feet. 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 Maryland Poultry Registration.
Registration and Requirements for Keeping Chickens in Anne Arundel County
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Register your chickens using the “Maryland Poultry Registration Form”
Maryland Poultry Registration Form
Save a copy to include with your license application.
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Review requirements for and build a chicken coop and enclosed run.
You must have an approved coop and run PRIOR to having any chickens.
- See “Animal Outdoors” of Anne Arundel County Code 12-4-801 to ensure all regulations are followed.
- Note: Coops and enclosures for chickens and ducks on lots less than 40,000 square feet shall be located at least 25 feet from a side or rear lot line and 5 feet from any dwelling. For more information, please contact Zoning at (410) 222-7437.
- See “Pets; livestock or fowl” of Anne Arundel County Code 18-4-104 to determine how many chickens or ducks you may have based on your lot's size.
Build your coop and enclosed run according to requirements outlined. (see Anne Arundel County Code 18-4-104, 12-4-709, 12-4-710 and 12-4-801)