HB4764 - 104th General Assembly (2025-2026)

REGULATION-BACKYARD CHICKENS
Last Action

2/06/2026 - House: Referred to Rules Committee
House Sponsors

Rep. Anne Stava
Statutes Amended In Order of Appearance

Synopsis As Introduced

Amends the Garden Act. Changes the short title of the Act from the Garden Act to the Vegetable Garden and Backyard Chicken Protection Act. Provides that a person shall have the right to keep backyard chickens on the property where the person resides. Provides that municipalities may establish reasonable regulations governing backyard chickens, including, but not limited to, setbacks, sanitation requirements, enclosure standards, nuisance control requirements, predator-proofing requirements, and limitations on the number of hens that may be kept. Provides that municipalities may require notice to adjacent property owners regarding backyard chickens, if the notice does not require or solicit any form of neighbor consent as defined in this Act. Provides that no municipality may condition the cultivation of vegetable gardens or the keeping of backyard chickens on neighbor consent. Provides that nothing in the Act shall be construed to limit the authority of homeowners' associations, condominium associations, or properties subject to restrictive covenants to regulate or prohibit vegetable gardens or backyard chickens pursuant to the terms of those governing documents. Provides that landlord consent may be required for tenants seeking to keep backyard chickens. Limits the concurrent exercise of home rule powers. Provides for enforcement of the Act's requirements.
Actions

DateChamberAction
2/02/2026HouseFiled with the Clerk by Rep. Anne Stava
2/06/2026HouseFirst Reading
2/06/2026HouseReferred to Rules Committee