Where in Massachusetts can you have backyard chickens? Urban backyard chicken keeping is allowed in many Massachusetts cities but not in some. In most cities where the practice of urban backyard chicken keeping is allowed, a permit or license is required. Therefore, if you are considering raising chickens on your residential property in Massachusetts, it's important to check with your city regarding the legality of backyard chickens in your locality. If you live in a HOA community, check their animal policy before acquiring any chickens. In most cases, HOA laws do not allow backyard chickens even if a city allows them. With that in mind, here are ten Massachusetts cities wherein backyard chicken farming is permitted.
1. Cambridge, MA
In November 2023, the Cambridge City Council amended the city’s zoning ordinance, making backyard chickens legal within city limits. However, male chickens (roosters) are prohibited by the ordinance. Only hens are allowed and a Henkeeping Permit is required to own hens. You can apply for and obtain this permit from the Cambridge Public Health Department. As per the Department's regulations, no more than 6 hens are allowed per lot. Hens are required to be kept in an enclosure consisting of a chicken coop and run. Such enclosures must be situated at least 5 feet from a property line. Under your supervision, hens may roam freely on your property.
2. Brockton, MA
The City of Brockton, MA, permits the practice of keeping backyard chickens within city limits. However, you are required to obtain a $30 license from the Brockton Board of Health before acquiring the chickens. In addition to paying the license fee, you're required to submit a site plan. You can only own hens on a residential property in Brockton, as roosters are banned. Hens are required to be kept in a henhouse, which must provide at least 2 square feet of floor space for each hen kept therein.
3. Lynn, MA
To own backyard chickens in the city of Lynn, MA, you are required to obtain a permit from the Inspectional Division. Additional regulations and limits apply to the practice of chicken keeping in Lynn, according to the city's animal control. Please contact the City Sanitarian at (781) 598-4000 for more information.
4. New Bedford, MA
The city of New Bedford allows hens but prohibits roosters due to noise and other nuisance concerns. Now, just because hens are legal to own doesn't mean you can just let them run at large. The city's municipal code specifically prohibits chicken owners from permitting their birds to go at large in any street or public place. And depending on the number of hens you intend you keep as well as the size of your coop, a permit may be required. I suggest you contact the New Bedford Animal Control Office for more information.
5. Fall River, MA
With a permit from the Board of Health, you can raise backyard chickens in Fall River, MA. There is an application fee of $50 for the permit and then an annual fee of $100. The keeping of male chickens is prohibited within Fall River. On the application form, you must specify the number of chickens you intend to keep. You are also required to submit a plot plan, with dimensions of the area where the chickens will be kept. The permit, which expires annually on May 31st, is non-transferable.
6. Somerville, MA
The city of Somerville has an Urban Agriculture Ordinance that allows residents to raise backyard chickens for personal use. The ordinance, which can be found here, allows for up to 6 female chickens to be kept in a backyard. The keeping of roosters is not allowed in Somerville due to noise concerns.
7. Framingham, MA
If you live in the city of Framingham, MA, you can own up to 6 backyard chickens without a permit provided that: 1. The chickens are all females and are registered with the Framingham Animal Control Department. 2. You obtain written approval from your landlord if you're a tenant. 3. You continue to comply with this regulation. Otherwise, you'll be required to obtain a permit from the Framingham Board of Health to keep chickens.
8. Haverhill, MA
A permit is required to have backyard chickens in Haverhill, Massachusetts. A permit for the keeping of less than 4 chickens will be reviewed and approved administratively by the Director of Inspectional Services without a public hearing. The keeping of roosters can be allowed on a case-by-case basis, but not in a RU, RH, or RM zone. If you intend to increase the number of chickens you keep before the end of the permit year, you must notify the Board of Health, which may require a public hearing. For more details, refer to the Board of Health's "Minimum Standards for the Keeping of Domestic Animals."
9. Brookline, MA
The town of Brookline, MA, requires that you obtain a permit from the Public Health Department for the keeping of backyard chickens. The permit allows you to have a maximum of 12 backyard chickens (no roosters). As a permit holder, you are required to restrict your hens to a coop and enclosed pen at all times.
10. Chicopee, MA
A Residential Livestock License is required to own chickens and ducks in the city of Chicopee, MA. The fee for the permit is $25 and will be valid for one year. The permit expires on March 31st of every year. The keeping of roosters is not allowed on properties that are not zoned and established farms. Tenants or condo owners can't apply for the Residential Livestock License. No more than 5 hens and 2 ducks man be kept on properties less than 1 acre. Chickens enclosures are required to be 15 feet from property lines and 50 feet from any neighboring dwelling.
Other Massachusetts municipalities that allow backyard chickens
- Peabody, MA
- Methuen, MA
- Everett, MA
- Barnstable, MA
- Attleboro, MA
- Arlington, MA
- Salem, MA
- Pittsfield, MA
- Beverly, MA
- Billerica, MA
- Marlborough, MA
- Amherst, MA
- Natick, MA
- North Andover, MA
- Chelmsford, MA
This list isn't exhaustive, meaning many more Massachusetts municipalities allow backyard chickens. A permit is required to own chickens in the municipalities listed above.
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