City Council approved the raising of chickens and quail in Oklahoma City backyards. The ordinance, which took effect March 4, 2022 allows residents to raise up to a total of six chickens or quail in their backyard. Roosters are not allowed.

• Animal owners must maintain a clean coop that protects their hens from predators.
• The coop must have at least four-square feet of space per animal.
• Food and water must always be available, and the animals must stay in the coop from dusk to dawn.
• Any electrical or heat sources must comply with the City’s building codes.
• Each chicken or quail must have at least eight square feet of roaming space.
• Chicken coops must be located at least five feet away from the side property line, at least 10 feet away from the back property line, and at least 30 feet from an adjacent dwelling.

There are no permits or fees required to raise chickens or quail and enforcement will be on a complaint basis. Neighborhoods with covenants against raising chickens or quail are not required to allow them and may privately enforce their covenants through legal means. The outdoor slaughter of chickens is not allowed.

People who violate the new ordinance can be fined up to $500 for the first offense and $1200 for the third or subsequent offense, and or jail time not to exceed 6 months.

What can I do if I have neighbor that does not comply with these rules?

• Submit the issue through the City's Action Center by emailing action.center@okc.gov, calling (405) 297-2535 or online at okc.gov/action.

Enforcement of these rules will be enacted on a complaint basis. Reports filed with the Action Center will be inspected to verify if the conditions have been met. 

• Violations must be viewed in plain sight by a City Inspector.
• Inspectors must have the consent of the alleged property owner to enter the premise or have consent from an adjacent property owner to view from their property (such as behind a fence).
• The City may obtain an administrative search warrant to enter the alleged premise for an Inspection of a complaint.
• Inspector verified violation of this ordinance may be subject to the following. o
  • First, and Second offense is a Class A offense and subject to a fine not to exceed $500.00, plus cost and fees.
  • Third, or subsequent offense is a Class B offense and subject to a fine not to exceed $1200.00, plus cost and fees, or a jail term not to exceed 6 months, or both.
  • The City may file an injunction with District Court to prevent violation

Municipal code:

Sec. 59-8150.2.1
Animal Raising: Chickens/Quail

Section 59-9350.7.1
Premises where Chickens (Hens) or Quail are fed or kept primarily for personal use subject to conditions set forth in Section 59-9350.7.1

Tips on Safely Raising Backyard Poultry

The following tips are courtesy of the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

Safety Tips

• Never eat, drink or put anything in your mouth while handling poultry.
• Wash hands with soap and water immediately after handling any type of bird. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 62 percent ethyl alcohol. 
• Do not wash animal food and water dishes from a backyard poultry flock in the kitchen sink.
• Do not let children younger than five years of age handle or touch chicks, ducklings or other live poultry without supervision.
  • Children younger than five years of age are more likely to get sick from exposure to germs like Salmonella.

Biosecurity Tips

• Don’t set up bird feeders near chicken coops.
• Keep feed covered to protect it from exposure to wild birds and rodents.
• Avoid wearing boots and clothes used to bird hunt when caring for domestic birds.
• If possible, house birds in a pen that prevents wild birds and predators from entering.