Keeping backyard chickens and roosters in Eurobodalla
Backyard chickens are a fun and sustainable way to enjoy fresh eggs, reduce food waste, and teach children responsibility. It's important to look after them so they don't cause problems - such as noise, smells, pests, or health risks for you and your neighbours.
This page explains the rules for keeping chickens and roosters in Eurobodalla so you can enjoy backyard poultry and be a good neighbour.
Who can keep backyard chickens and roosters
Yes, you can keep:
- chickens and other poultry in residential areas
- roosters in rural areas, including on land zoned R5 - Large Lot Residential.
No, you cannot keep:
- roosters in residential areas or anywhere their crowing may cause offensive noise
- other noisy fowl and poultry, such as peacocks, guinea fowl and turkeys, in residential areas.
Rules for keeping backyard poultry
To meet the requirements of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 and the Local Government Act 1993, you must follow these limits.
How many chickens and poultry you can keep
Fowl:
- On land zoned R5: you can keep up to 10 fowl on each property.
- On any other land: you can keep up to 5 small fowl or poultry (where adults are under 2kg, such as chickens, pheasants, quail, call ducks and mallard ducks) and no more than 2 large fowl or poultry (where adults are more than 2kg, such as large ducks and geese).
- Do not keep fowl or poultry within 4.5m of a house, public hall, school or any place used to manufacture, prepare, sell or store food.
Chicken coops and poultry yards
Chicken coops must:
- be in the rear yard
- have at least 15m2 of floor space
- be at least 3m from each property boundary.
If you live in a bushfire-prone area and your coop is within 5m of the house, build it from non-combustible materials.
Poultry yards must:
- include only one poultry house on each lot
- be securely enclosed so chickens and other poultry cannot escape.
Poultry housing for ducks, geese and turkeys
Poultry housing for species other than fowls (including ducks, geese and turkeys) must be at least 30m from a house, public hall, school or any place used to prepare, sell or store food.
You may need development approval for some types of poultry housing. Check with Council before you build or buy a new coop or shed.
Dealing with chicken or rooster problems
If chickens or roosters create noise or health problems, Council can take action under the Local Government Act 1993. This may include:
- reducing the number of poultry you keep
- requiring you to keep yards clean and odour-free
- removing poultry that causes a nuisance or health risk.
FAQs about chickens and roosters
Can I keep a rooster in town?+
No. Roosters are only allowed in rural areas or on land zoned R5 – Large Lot Residential. You cannot keep roosters in residential zones because of the noise they make.
How many chickens can I keep in Eurobodalla?+
On most residential land (no roosters):
- up to 5 small fowl or poultry
- up to 2 large fowl or poultry.
On land zoned R5: you can keep up to 10 fowl.
See Council's policy on keeping animals:
Do I need Council approval for a chicken coop?+
If your setup meets the rules on this page (size, distance from boundaries and buildings, and secure enclosure), you do not need development approval.
Where should I put my chicken coop?+
Chicken coops or poultry housing must be:
- in your rear yard with at least 15m² of floor space
- at least 3m from all property boundaries
- be at least 4.5m from houses, schools and food premises.
What if I live in a bushfire-prone area?+
If your chicken coop is within 5m of your house in a bushfire-prone area, build it from non-combustible materials.
How do I know my property's zoning?+
You can check your zoning on the NSW Planning Portal's online map viewer.
What happens if my chickens cause problems?+
Council may step in under the Local Government Act 1993 if your poultry causes noise, smell or health issues. This could mean:
- reducing the number of chickens you keep
- requiring you to clean or manage your yard differently
- removing poultry that creates a nuisance or health risk.
More information
Read Council's policy on keeping chickens and roosters in your backyard:
Contact us
If you have questions or need to report a chicken or rooster problem, contact Council's rangers on:
- T: 4474 1019
- E: Council's rangers