Up to 6 chickens are allowed in city limits.

The City of Toledo allows chickens to be kept within the city limits, as long as the following conditions are met:

1. Number. No more than 6 hens shall be allowed for each single-family dwelling.
2. Setbacks. Coops or cages housing chickens shall be kept at least 25 feet from the door or window of any dwelling or occupied structure other than the owner's dwelling. Coops and cages shall not be located within 5 feet of a side-yard lot line, nor within eighteen inches of a rear-yard lot line. Coops and cages shall not be located in the front yard.
3. Enclosure. Hens shall be provided with a covered, predator-proof coop or cage that is well-ventilated and designed to be easily accessed for cleaning. The coop shall allow at least one square foot per hen. Hens shall have access to an outdoor enclosure that is adequately fenced to contain the birds on the property.
4. Sanitation. The coop and outdoor enclosure must be kept in a sanitary condition and free from offensive odors. The coop and outdoor enclosure must be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent accumulation of waste.
5. Slaughtering. There shall be no outdoor slaughtering in the line of vision of any neighboring properties.
6. Roosters. It is unlawful for any person to keep roosters.

Permits

A permit is only required if any of the above conditions can't be met. The permit application needs to explain why a variance from the requirements is needed.

Permits are managed by the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department and granted on an annual basis. The permit will renew automatically as long as no complaints are received during the year.

Download the Keeping of Chickens permit application

Other Livestock

No other livestock, including hogs, cows, goats, geese, or ducks, may be kept within city limits without a permit from the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department. This permit can be revoked at any time if the requirements of the permit are not met.

Download the Keeping of Livestock permit application