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.
Renting a home is an important decision that requires careful consideration, both for residents and landlords. In some cases, residents may not meet the income or credit requirements set by landlords, making it challenging for them to secure a rental property. However, there is a solution that can benefit both parties involved: the use of…
When you’re managing a rental property, it’s essential that you do everything in your power to find good tenants. You want tenants who will take care of your home and pay their rent on time, but you also need to make sure they won’t cause any problems for neighbors or other tenants in the building….
When the summer heat hits North Carolina, a broken air conditioner can feel like an emergency. But before you sign that appealing “no money down” contract, make sure you know exactly what you’re agreeing to. What Started as a Simple AC Replacement Last July, when Anna and her husband’s air conditioning unit failed during the…
You may have seen stories across news outlets claiming residents are fleeing the concrete jungle for greener pastures in the suburbs. You may also have seen news outlets saying this is completely false. With conflicting information in an already trying time, it can be stressful and exhausting trying to make informed decisions about your rental…
New Hanover County residential property owners can expect their property revaluations very soon! Over the past two-and-a-half years, over 104,000 parcels of land were revaluated to reflect the properties fairly so that taxes are more accurate. Detailed uniform appraisal processes allowed officials to be sure that the information they had on file was up to date….
You have spent months looking for the right investment property. You have perhaps spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on purchasing this choice piece of real estate. Now your goals are to have your investment creating an income stream and, hopefully, appreciate in value during ownership. In order for you to meet these goals, you’re…
