Columbia Number and type of chickens allowed ordinance (§ 5-91)
Chapter 5: Animals and Fowl · Article V. Chickens
In short: Residents may keep up to six chickens per tract of land, no matter how many dwelling units are on it, and only hens are allowed, of any species. These limits don't apply to chickens kept for educational courses at schools with 50 or more students, on school property of at least one-half acre.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
(a) The maximum number of chickens allowed is six (6) per tract of land regardless of how many dwelling units are on the tract.
(b) Only female chickens are allowed. There is no restriction on chicken species.
(c) The provisions of this section shall not apply to any chickens kept as part of an educational course by public and private schools and educational institutions with fifty (50) or more students when the chickens are kept on school property that is one-half (½) acre or more in size.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 5-91
Text from Supplement 139 (September 3, 2026).
Last checked November 1, 2026. The city's official copy controls; this page is a reading copy, not legal advice.