Most cities in North Carolina allow backyard chickens. Flock size is largely dependent on lot size, and roosters are usually not permitted.
A permit is required to raise chickens + there needs to be at least four sqft of ground area per chicken on the property. Before applying for the permit, an inspector must measure the distance from the property line before a coop is built.
If your home is subject to a homeowners association (HOA), you'll need to read through the bylaws to determine if chickens are allowed. All HOAs are required to have written bylaws and meeting minutes to provide to residents.
They have every authority to force you to remove your chickens, if they violate the CC&Rs, because you agreed to live by those rules when you moved into the area. Checking with the neighbors first was just wasted effort. If you don't remove them then you're likely to be assessed fines. How big are the lots?
Definitely contact animal control no matter what, as they still might have some advice. If it's fence-in, though, your neighbors will need to keep their chickens contained and reimburse you for your destroyed crops. If the animals can be proven to be violent, that also helps your case!
Livestock or domestic fowl (chicken, turkey, pigeon...) a permit is required. Before a permit is issued, the premises must be inspected to ensure that the animal(s) are a minimum distance from the property line.
As far as raising chickens in your backyard? Yeah, they could absolutely keep you from doing that. They can take you to court for violating property related ordinances and they will win. I don't suggest intentionally violating your HoA covenants unless you're willing to battle them in court.
The best chicken coop location provides a dry, healthy, happy, and safe environment for your birds. Ideally, you want to keep your feathered friends close but not directly near your house.
Chickens Are Not Legal Everywhere Laws vary by state and by town, and not all locations are zoned for chickens. Many areas require chicken owners to have permits for ownership, and some towns even limit how many chickens can be kept as well as the size of the coop.
20 chickens per acre (see the chart at the end for what that breaks down to for various property sizes). Chickens must be kept in an enclosure/ coop at all times. The coop must provide at least four square feet of ground area per chicken. The coop must be well ventilated and at least 18 inches in height.