The Hernando County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved the first public reading of an amended ordinance governing the keeping of backyard chickens and ducks on residential property. The ordinance, which adds ducks as permissible birds, clarifies limitations on the number of backyard birds allowed based on parcel size.
Parcels smaller than 6,000 square feet are allowed a maximum of four birds, while parcels between 6,001 and 10,000 square feet can have eight birds, and larger parcels can have 12 birds. Homeowners’ associations are not preempted by this ordinance and may restrict or prohibit ducks and chickens according to their covenants. Multi-family homes are not permitted to keep birds. The ordinance specifically prohibits roosters, geese, turkeys, peafowl, or other fowl.
The ordinance also increases the size of bird housing that would require a permit. Formerly, a structure larger than 100 square feet by 10 square feet would require a permit, but that size has been increased to 120 square feet by 12 square feet. The structure permits are no longer restricted to a five-year period. Additional language will be added before the second reading that removes the requirement of a permit to own backyard birds, and that chicken runs will not be included in square footage calculations for chicken coops.
The second reading and final vote are scheduled for March 3, 2026. For more information, residents can visit the Hernando County Government website or contact the Hernando County Planning and Zoning department.
Originally reported by Hernando Sun
Sources: Hernando Sun
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