Can I keep chickens in Pago Pago, AS?
Yes, with conditions — Pago Pago allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. (ASCA §§ 25.1601, 25.1603, 25.1604, 25.1605, 26.0315, 27.0803, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Roosters | Allowed with conditions |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop rules | Coops may not be placed directly over any stream, river, brook, pond, or other body of water (ASCA § 25.1604). All confinement areas must be kept sanitary (§ 25.1605). Chickens are prohibited in the coastal strip between the highway and the sea (§ 25.1603) — particularly relevant in Pago Pago harbor area. |
| Code section | ASCA §§ 25.1601, 25.1603, 25.1604, 25.1605, 26.0315, 27.0803 |
Pago Pago is the capital of American Samoa, situated around its famous deep-water harbor in the Eastern District. Chicken regulations derive entirely from territory-wide ASCA — no municipal code exists. R2 zones permit noncommercial poultry (§ 26.0315); R1 zones are ambiguous. The coastal strip restriction (§ 25.1603) is especially relevant in the harbor area. Fowl are exempt from the general animal confinement rule under § 25.1601, no hen count limit applies to noncommercial keepers, and roosters face no territorial restriction.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Pago Pago?
Yes, with conditions — Pago Pago allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (ASCA §§ 25.1601, 25.1603, 25.1604, 25.1605, 26.0315, 27.0803).
How many chickens can I keep in Pago Pago?
It depends on your lot. No hen count limit in R2 zones for noncommercial keeping (ASCA § 26.0315). R1 zone is ambiguous. Coastal strip restriction (§ 25.1603) limits keeping near harbor. Commercial classification at 200+ birds (§ 27.0803).. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Pago Pago?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Pago Pago.
Are roosters allowed in Pago Pago?
Yes, with conditions — see Pago Pago's rules (ASCA §§ 25.1601, 25.1603, 25.1604, 25.1605, 26.0315, 27.0803).
What law covers backyard chickens in Pago Pago?
ASCA §§ 25.1601, 25.1603, 25.1604, 25.1605, 26.0315, 27.0803. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
ASCA §§ 25.1601, 25.1603, 25.1604, 25.1605, 26.0315, 27.0803 — read the official code
“Uses permitted: Any use permitted in R1 zone; keeping of poultry and domestic livestock for noncommercial purposes; accessory uses. ASCA § 26.0315” source
“No pigs, goats, sheep, horses, cattle, or other domestic animals, other than fowl, cats and licensed dogs may be allowed to run loose. ASCA § 25.1601” source
“No pigpens, chicken coops, or other areas or structures for confining animals may be placed directly over any stream, river, brook, pond, or other body of fresh or salt water. ASCA § 25.1604” source
“No pigs, chickens or other animals may be kept in the space between the highway and the sea. ASCA § 25.1603” source
Last verified June 15, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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