Backyard Chickens in Boston, Massachusetts

Can you keep chickens in Boston?

Thinking about keeping hens in the heart of Boston? The city allows a small backyard flock under its Article 89 urban agriculture rules, but you'll need a permit, a Zoning Board sign-off, and a coop built to code. Here's everything Peggy's Happy Chickens found in Boston's official ordinance.

Yes – with conditions

Yes, backyard hens are legal in Boston. Under Article 89 (Boston's Urban Agriculture zoning), residents may keep live fowl on their property provided they obtain a Use of Premises permit from the Boston Inspectional Services Department (ISD). The application requires a plot plan, an inspection, and approval by the Zoning Board of Appeals, where direct abutters may comment in support or opposition.

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: 6
Roosters: No
Permit required: Yes
Permit cost: $50
Setback from property line: 5 ft.

Peggy knows Boston

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Maximum of six adult hens plus up to six non-egg-laying replacement chicks or pullets are permitted per lot.
Roosters are strictly prohibited to prevent noise issues.
Coops and runs cannot exceed eight feet in height.
Coop space must provide a minimum of two square feet per hen; runs must provide a minimum of four square feet per hen.
Coops and runs must be located in the rear yard and set back at least five feet from property lines (unless a solid barrier exists).
Structures must be of substantial construction and maintained to prevent attracting rats.
Coops and premises must be kept clean, dry, and well-ventilated; waste must be composted in a rodent-proof container or removed from the property.
Feed must be stored in rodent-proof, sealed containers.
On-site slaughtering of hens is prohibited.
Permits are typically valid until December 31 of the issuance year and must be renewed annually.

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Boston

🌡️ Climate

USDA Hardiness Zone 6b/7a

Boston has a humid continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Coops should be insulated and ventilated to handle winter freezes while avoiding overheating and moisture buildup in summer.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkFoxCoyoteOpossumSkunk

Boston's official guidance specifically warns that secure coops and runs are necessary to protect birds from predators such as raccoons and coyotes, and recommends electric fencing for added protection.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Plymouth Rock, Rhode Island Red, Wyandotte, Orpington, Australorp (cold-hardy dual-purpose breeds well suited to New England winters)

Our package comes with two Rhode Island Reds – hardy in heat and cold, and friendly with kids.

Questions people ask about Boston

▸How many hens can I keep in Boston?

Up to six adult hens are allowed per lot, plus up to six non-egg-laying replacement chicks or pullets.

▸Are roosters allowed in Boston?

No. Roosters are prohibited citywide to prevent noise issues.

▸Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Boston?

Yes. You must obtain a Use of Premises permit from Boston Inspectional Services, which involves an application, document review, inspection, and approval from the Zoning Board of Appeals.

▸How far must a coop be from property lines in Boston?

Coops and runs must be located in the rear yard and set back at least five feet from property lines, unless a solid barrier exists.

▸Can I sell eggs or slaughter chickens at home in Boston?

On-site slaughtering of hens is prohibited under Boston's fowl-keeping regulations.

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Boston or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked September 1, 2026.