Before continuing please make sure you read and understand the ordinance and requirements governing residential chickens in the City of Lafayette, Indiana.
Residential Chickens Permit Requirements
Who can keep chickens?
- Residential properties only for non-commercial use, hens only (no roosters), max of 5 hens/property.
Permit:
- A free permit from the City Clerk’s Office is required; Permits can be revoked for violations.
Identification:
- Each chicken must be individually identifiable (e.g., leg bands).
Coop and pen requirements:
- Coop: solid sides, solid roof and doors that latch; at least 18 inches high; traditional materials; ventilated; rodent/predator resistant.
- Pen: traditional materials; predator-proof; no taller than 6 ft; covered with wire, netting, or solid roof.
- Minimum space per hen: Coop floor area: 1 sq. ft. per hen; Pen area: 2 sq. ft. per hen.
- Daylight hours: chickens may use the pen; otherwise kept secure.
Where to place them:
- Must comply with the City’s Unified Zoning Ordinance for accessory structures and must be located behind the residence at least 20 ft. from any home or human-habitable structure not owned/occupied by you and at least 10 ft. from any property line.
Care, cleanliness, and control:
- Must not create a nuisance (noise, odor, damage).
- Maintain coop/pen clean, dry, odor-free, and sanitary; dispose of manure/feed waste regularly. In cold weather, deep-litter bedding is allowed if done properly.
- Always keep chickens securely enclosed, under your control and provide feed and clean water, stored so it is not accessible to rodents, wild birds, dogs, or predators.
- Isolate sick or diseased birds as needed for public health.
Penalties and enforcement:
- Violations may result in fines up to $250 per day, and removal or destruction of chickens by Animal Control.
