Boiling Spring Lakes is one step closer to a decision on backyard chickens, but it hasn’t made one yet. The city’s Planning Board has recommended a zoning text amendment that would let residents keep hens under a permit and a detailed set of rules. The proposal only takes effect if the Board of Commissioners approves it. If you own in BSL, or you are shopping there because you want a little more room to spread out, here is where things stand and what the proposed rules would mean for a typical lot.
Where the Hen Proposal Stands (as of Nov. 8, 2026)
- Aug. 4, 2026: According to the city’s Aug. 4 meeting minutes, commissioners voted 3-1 to send potential zoning areas for chickens to the Planning Board for full review and a recommendation. The mayor voted no and suggested the question might be better settled by a voter referendum.
- Fall 2026: The Planning Board’s report in the Oct. 6 commissioners’ draft minutes lists the topics it studied: groundwater and private wells, air quality, composting and coop cleaning, permitting and site plans, the number of chickens, and the extra workload for code enforcement.
- Oct. 20, 2026: The Planning Board recommended approval of a text amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance, The State Port Pilot reported on Nov. 4.
- Nov. 4, 2026: The hen amendment was not on the commissioners’ regular meeting agenda. We found no record of a vote or a scheduled hearing on it as of Nov. 8. The city’s agenda page lists the next regular meeting in early December.
Bottom line: as of today, backyard hens are not newly allowed in Boiling Spring Lakes. Watch upcoming commissioners’ agendas for the item.
What the Proposed Rules Would Require
Based on the amendment language published by The State Port Pilot, the main requirements are:
- No roosters. Only hens would be allowed.
- A zoning permit first. Owners would submit a site plan showing the coop, run, enclosures and fencing. The UDO administrator would need to approve it and inspect the property before the permit is issued.
- Ongoing compliance. A permit would not be a permanent pass. Violations would fall under the ordinance’s existing enforcement and penalty provisions, and moving or expanding a coop would need an amended site plan.
- Coop standards. At least 3 square feet of floor space per hen inside a weather-tight coop, at least 4 inches of absorbent litter such as wood shavings, and predator-proof ventilation of at least 1 square foot per 10 square feet of enclosed area.
- Run fencing. Strong wire fencing attached to the outside of the posts and extending at least 6 inches below grade.
- Location. No enclosures in the front or side yard, none closer than 25 feet to any property line, and none closer than 30 feet to any other residence.
What It Would Mean for Your Lot
The setbacks matter most. Because a coop or run would have to sit in the rear yard and at least 25 feet from every property line, a lot needs to be wider than 50 feet at the spot where the coop goes. Twenty-five feet from each side line on a 50-foot-wide lot leaves no room at all. You would also need enough rear-yard depth to clear the back line by 25 feet, and the coop would have to be 30 feet from a neighbor’s home.
That makes the proposal friendlier to the larger, wooded lots found in parts of BSL than to narrower parcels. If backyard hens are on your wish list:
- Get the plat or survey. Measure where a 25-foot setback from each line would leave usable rear-yard space.
- Look at neighboring houses. The 30-foot rule is measured to other residences, so a neighbor’s home close to your shared line can rule out spots on your own lot.
- Mind the trees. Boiling Spring Lakes has tree-protection rules, and land clearing in parts of the city can involve federal wildlife review. Ask the city before you cut.
- Remember wells and septic. Groundwater was one of the Planning Board’s discussion topics. Keep coops and manure well away from your well and drain field.
HOA Covenants Can Still Say No
Even if the commissioners approve the amendment, a city permit does not override private restrictive covenants. If a home is in a neighborhood with recorded restrictions or an owners’ association that bans poultry or livestock, those rules still apply. Before you buy with hens in mind, read the covenants and ask your closing attorney to flag any animal restrictions. Question G3 of the state disclosure statement asks sellers about covenants, but reading the recorded documents yourself is the surest check.
FAQ
Can I keep chickens in Boiling Spring Lakes right now?
Not under the new proposal. As of Nov. 8, 2026, the hen amendment has been recommended by the Planning Board but has not been approved by the Board of Commissioners. Check with the city’s planning office about current rules for your zoning district.
Would roosters be allowed?
No. The proposed amendment prohibits roosters.
How close to my property line could a coop be?
Under the proposal, no closer than 25 feet to any property line and 30 feet to any other residence, and never in the front or side yard.
Do I need a permit?
Yes, under the proposal. You would need a zoning permit with an approved site plan and a property inspection before keeping hens.
Shopping for Space in Boiling Spring Lakes?
Lot size, trees, wells and covenants all shape what you can do with a property here. Our Boiling Spring Lakes buyer’s guide covers the bigger picture. Contact Aspyre Collective when you are ready to find a home that fits the way you want to live.
