Lexington to Loosen Restrictions on Raising Chickens

Town council is considering allowing residents to raise a few chickens closer to their homes. 

An existing town ordinance requires chicken coops to be at least 500 feet away from a home. 

“We want to relax that, although we don’t know how much yet,” Mayor Randy Halfacre told The State newspaper. “We need to decide what will work for our town culture.”

Council members will decide on a new limit next month, according to The State.

During a work session Monday, council members studied ordinances in nearby towns that allow chickens in residential areas. 

The City of Columbia requires chicken coops within 25 feet of a property line or 50 feet of a residence to be screened from view. 

Chicken coops in the City of Cayce must be screened from the side and the rear if they are closer than 25 feet from a property line. They can't be any closer than 7.5 feet to a property line. 

Both Columbia and Cayce limit the number of chickens at a residence to four.

Last year, Irmo Town Council turned down the idea of allowing chickens in residential areas.