Imagine waking up to the cheerful clucks of hens, the gentle baa-ing of goats, and the melodious quacks of ducks right in your own backyard in Middle Tennessee. It’s like having your very own barnyard symphony to start your day! But before you start planning your farm animal entourage, it’s important to understand the rules and regulations for owning chickens and other farm animals in Nashville, Franklin, Brentwood, and surrounding areas. After all, you wouldn’t want your chickens to ruffle any feathers with the local authorities or your homeowner’s association. So, let’s dive into the fascinating world of farm animal ownership and see what’s allowed in these Tennessee towns! But be warned, it’s not all just fun and games – there are rules to follow, and they’re not to be taken lightly!
Before embarking on the adventure of owning chickens or other farm animals in Middle Tennessee, it’s crucial to thoroughly check your homeowner’s association (HOA) and deed restrictions, if applicable. Some neighborhoods or communities may have specific rules and regulations that are more restrictive than the city or county regulations. These rules may include restrictions on the number of animals allowed, the type of animals permitted, or the size and location of coops or shelters. It’s important to understand and comply with these HOA and deed restrictions to avoid any conflicts or violations. Consulting with your HOA or reviewing your deed restrictions can help you ensure that you are in compliance with all relevant regulations before bringing chickens or other farm animals onto your property.
In Metro Nashville/Davidson County, common domesticated farm animals, exotic and native wildlife are restricted in residential areas, unless the lot size requirements are met. For residentially zoned districts, the minimum lot size is five acres. This means that if your property is less than five acres in size, you can only keep backyard chickens with permits, which can be obtained through the Metro Health Department Animal Control. However, roosters are not allowed in Nashville residential areas, only hens are permitted. Metros list of rules and regulations: https://filetransfer.nashville.gov/portals/0/sitecontent/Health/PDFs/Animal/HensRulesAndRegulations.pdf
In Brentwood, for instance, if you don’t have at least three acres of land, you’ll have to settle for “nearly-farm-fresh eggs” as the city requires a minimum of three acres for keeping ducks, geese, cows, horses, bees, and other animals. It’s also important to check with your homeowner’s association, as they may have additional rules that are more restrictive than the city’s regulations.
Moving on to Franklin city limits: “No person shall keep any animal or fowl within 1,000 feet of any residence, place of business without a PERMIT from the health officer. The health officer shall issue a PERMIT only when in his sound judgment the keeping of such an animal in a yard or building under the circumstances as set forth in the application for the permit will not injuriously affect the public health.” For horses, cows, or other large animals require a minimum of one acre of land, along with providing proper shelter. Free roaming of these animals is not allowed, and they must be kept within designated areas. For more information: https://www.franklintn.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/28031/636657918281170000
If you reside outside the city limits of Franklin, unless your property is zoned as Grassland Village (GV), Leiper’s Fork Village (LFV), or Triune Village (TV), agricultural use, including poultry, is generally permitted, pending HOA/deed restrictions.
It’s important to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of your specific city or county when it comes to owning chickens or other farm animals. Violating these regulations can result in fines or other legal consequences. Always check with your local government authorities and homeowner’s association, if applicable, to ensure that you are in compliance with the rules and can enjoy the benefits of owning chickens or other farm animals on your property in Middle Tennessee.
