Can you have backyard chickens in Connecticut? While the short answer is "Yes," the long one is "It depends." In agricultural zones within Connecticut, chickens as well as other livestock animals are generally allowed. In residential zones, however, there are rules restricting or prohibiting chickens.
In addition, Homeowners Associations (HOAs) have the authority to restrict or prohibit the keeping of chickens through their covenants. If you are a resident of a covenant-controlled community within Connecticut, you may unfortunately not be allowed to own chickens.
Therefore, it is advisable to check your city or town's municipal code and HOA's bylaws before welcoming chickens into your Connecticut backyard. Below, you'll find a list of some Connecticut municipalities that allow backyard chickens.
1. Bridgeport, CT
It is legal to own chickens in Bridgeport, CT, but you can't do so without first obtaining a permit from the Board of Health. Other domestic birds you can own with a permit in Bridgeport include but are not limited to pigeons, ducks, geese, and game birds of any kind. As stated in the municipal code, "any permit granted for the keeping of chickens or other domestic birds may be revoked by the Board of Health at any time."
2. New Haven, CT
In New Haven, CT, female chickens are legal to own but males are not. A maximum of 6 hens is allowed per backyard within the city. However, the hens are to be kept for noncommercial purposes not otherwise. According to the New Haven Independent, there are requirements and restrictions covering the size of chicken coops as well as their placement.
3. Stamford, CT
All chickens kept within the city of Stamford must be penned and not allowed to run at large, as required by the city's municipal code. Additionally, the keeping of roosters is not allowed within the city limits. All chicken pens must be situated at least 50 feet from any dwelling or apartment house.
4. Norwalk, CT
In the City of Norwalk, CT, a maximum of 12 chickens is allowed per residential property. However, the keeping of roosters over 4 months of age is not allowed. The city code requires all hens to be kept in a pen, which must be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition so as to minimize offensive odors. Furthermore, all chicken pens are required to meet minimum yard setbacks for accessory structures contained in the Zoning Regulations.
5. Greenwich, CT
Chickens are allowed in Greenwich, CT! Other domestic birds you can own within the Town limits include peacocks and ducks. The keeping of less than 10 chickens, peacocks, or ducks is allowed under certain conditions.
For starters, the selling of eggs as well as the on-site slaughtering of chickens are prohibited. Additionally, keeping roosters on properties with less than 4 acres is not allowed. Furthermore, your chicken coop must be placed at least 50 feet from any property line.
6. Hamden, CT
Hamden residents are allowed to raise up to six female chickens in their backyards. However, you must obtain a Zoning Permit before keeping any hens. Hamden Code requires henhouses to be located at least 20 feet from all property lines. Your henhouse may be located in the rear or side yard. A maximum of six hens is allowed to be kept in residential zoning districts.
7. Bristol, CT
The keeping of chickens along with ducks, geese, and pigeons is permitted in Bristol, CT. The maximum number of chickens, ducks, geese, or pigeons you can own is 12. Per Bristol's website, chickens or similar small fowl must be kept for personal use only. Roosters are technically allowed within the city limits.
However, if a valid noise complaint is received by the city regarding your rooster, you will be required to place a noise reduction collar on the rooster. You may be required to remove your rooster if over 3 complaints are received by the city regarding the same. See Sec. 4-8 of the Bristol Code of Ordinances for additional info.
8. Meriden, CT
With a Zoning Permit, you can keep up to 6 female chickens in Meriden, CT. The keeping of backyard chickens is allowed as a noncommercial accessory use in the following zoning districts: R-R, S-R, R-1, and R-2. Male chickens and male turkeys are prohibited in these zones.
Your chicken coop can be located 10 feet from any property line. In addition, it should provide each hen with a minimum of 3 square feet of area. The Zoning Permit application requires a plot plan of your property showing the location and setbacks of the coop and run.
9. West Haven, CT
In West Haven, CT, you may keep a maximum of 4 female chickens as a non-commercial accessory use on a property no less than 0.25 acres. This restriction applies to property located in the R-1 and R-2 residence zoning districts.
A permit is required to keep backyard hens in West Haven, CT. Hens are to be confined to a fenced enclosure of no more than 200 square feet in area and located in the backyard. This enclosure must be located at least 25 feet from any street line and 10 feet from any property line.
10. Stratford, CT
The Town of Stratford's zoning regulations allow for the keeping of chickens and pigeons in one-family residence districts. On lots of at least 5,000 square feet, no more than 12 chickens or pigeons are allowed.
Then for every additional 5,000 square feet of lot area, an additional 12 chickens or pigeons are allowed. All chickens and pigeons must be confined "in a building" and "no manure or dust-producing fertilizer shall be stored in the open."
Other Connecticut Municipalities Where The Keeping of Backyard Chickens is Allowed
- Milford, CT
- East Hartford, CT
- Middletown, CT
- Wallingford, CT
- Southington, CT
- Enfield, CT
- Norwich, CT
- Trumbull, CT
- Glastonbury, CT
- Naugatuck, CT
- Newington, CT
- Windsor, CT
Note: This is not an exhaustive or all-inclusive list, meaning there are many other Connecticut municipalities that allow backyard chickens.
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