Are you thinking about joining the growing community of backyard chicken enthusiasts in South Carolina’s Upstate region? With rising egg prices and the appeal of farm-fresh eggs right from your own yard, it’s no wonder more people are considering this rewarding hobby. But before you bring home those adorable chicks, there are several important considerations and regulations you need to be aware of.
Get a Free Virtual Rental Evaluation Plus a Custom Cost Quote
Before purchasing any chickens, make sure to check with:
Your local government: Each city and county has different rules (detailed below)
Your landlord: If you rent, you’ll need explicit permission from your property owner
Your HOA: Many homeowners associations have specific rules or outright bans on keeping chickens
Skipping any of these steps may result in fines, the need to rehome your chickens, or even eviction if you’re a renter. Always get approval in writing!
City-by-City Regulations in the Upstate
Greenville
No specific number limit, but typically less than 7-8 chickens to avoid being a “nuisance”
Regulations detailed in City Code section 4-7
Greenville County
Maximum of 8 female chickens per property
Roosters are prohibited
Chickens must be confined to the backyard in a coop or enclosed fence
Details in the Greenville County Unified Development Ordinance (page 89)
Greer
Permit required
Written permission needed from adjoining neighbors
Limit of 6 female chickens
No roosters allowed
Chickens must be in a fully enclosed, washable coop
Coop must be 50 feet from the nearest neighboring residence
No coops allowed in front or side yards
See City Code Article II, livestock section 10-32
Simpsonville
Chickens fall under the general animal ordinance as “fowl”
Maximum of 4 total animals per household (includes dogs, cats, chickens, etc.)
No combination of animals can exceed 4 total
Animal Control officer has some discretion
Chickens are permitted as long as they’re not causing a nuisance
See chapter 6 of Simpsonville’s ordinance
Spartanburg
Maximum of 6 female chickens
No roosters permitted
Annual permit required
Written consent needed from all bordering neighbors
Chickens must be kept in fully enclosed coops with solid floors
Coops must be at least 50 feet from neighboring residences
Read a 2025 Industry Leading Renter Survey
Did you know that a washer and dryer are the third most requested amenity by non-luxury renters?
Understanding renters’ preferences is key to maximizing property value and tenant retention. This much anticipated annual report from Buildium – RealPage outlines what pays and what doesn’t. Offering amenities that tenants value most not only attracts new renters but also encourages them to stay longer, especially when they feel the added value aligns with what they are willing to pay for their living experience.
Raising backyard chickens can be a rewarding experience that provides fresh eggs and enjoyable pets. However, it’s essential to follow all applicable rules to ensure you’re being a good neighbor and responsible chicken keeper. Take the time to research thoroughly, get the proper permissions, and set up an appropriate environment for your flock.
Born and raised in Western North Carolina, Hayli brings creative flair, marketing expertise, and a keen eye for detail to every project. Her passion for connecting with people and dedication to quality make her an enthusiastic and valuable contributor.
Building Better Communities: How MoveZen’s HOA Management Aligns with Your Values Introduction At MoveZen, we understand that the heart of a thriving homeowners community lies not just in the beauty of its properties but in the strength of its management. Moreover, our approach to Homeowners Association (HOA) management is built on a foundation of transparency,…
When aiming to optimize your Net Operating Income, you must be aware of the rent ceiling. To determine the reasonable amount of rent for each rental unit, you must calculate the market rent. This article will instruct you on how to work out the fair market rent. Rental Profit Calculator See your monthly and yearly…
In the United States, there are 50 million renter-occupied homes. That’s a lot of people who are paying someone else to live on someone else’s property. Do you have a dream of getting involved in real estate investing? You might think buying rental properties sounds like a great money-making idea, yet don’t quite know how to get the…
Given all the effort people go through to save on taxes, it’s a wonder that the significant benefits of simply fencing in their existing rental property go almost completely unnoticed. Investing in improvements for rental properties not only enhances curb appeal and tenant satisfaction but can also yield significant tax advantages. One frequently overlooked yet…
Real Estate Published Tue, Dec 31 202411:38 AM ESTUpdated Tue, Dec 31 202412:55 PM EST Diana Olick@in/dianaolick Key PointsActive listings in November were 12.1% higher than they were in November 2023 and hit the highest level since 2020, according to a new report from Redfin. More than half of those homes, however, had sat on…
Introduction: In today’s shifting property management landscape, the difference between a short-term, cut-rate approach and a quality-driven, long-term investment model has become more apparent than ever. We’ve always believed in a strategy focused on premium property conditions, top-tier service, and engaged ownership. That approach has paid off. As the industry evolves, the “Motel 6” model—one…
