Alpharetta residents could soon be allowed to have as many as six chickens in their backyard. Residents wanting a chicken coop in the backyard and some on larger rural properties have urged the city to relax zoning laws for years, according to Community Development Director, Kathi Cook.
Laws for having backyard chickens vary in north Fulton cities. Roswell allows six chickens on about a third of an acre of residential land. Milton zoning permits 12 chickens on an acre. And Johns Creek allows 75 chickens on any size lot.
In Alpharetta, chickens are only permitted on property zoned for agriculture.
Alpharetta City Council is considering allowing residents to have a maximum six chickens on a minimum one-acre lot. Fewer chickens such as three on a half-acre would not be permitted. Roosters would not be included in the amended zoning.
Currently chickens are only permitted on property zoned for agriculture.
The zoning change would require a 25-foot setback from the street, a Fulton County requirement.
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