Can I keep chickens in Bristol, CT?
Yes — Bristol allows backyard chickens, up to 12 hens with no permit required. (Ch. 4 - Animals and Fowl (confirmed via city Building Dept. FAQ), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 12 |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop rules | No commercial enterprise permitted. Poultry must be kept in a secure enclosure. The 12-bird limit covers all small fowl species combined. |
| Code section | Ch. 4 - Animals and Fowl (confirmed via city Building Dept. FAQ) |
Bristol allows up to 12 ducks, geese, chickens, pigeons, or similar small fowl total per property with no commercial use. No permit required. The 12-bird limit covers all small fowl species combined, not hens alone. Full ordinance text from Chapter 4 not retrieved.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Bristol?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Bristol (Ch. 4 - Animals and Fowl (confirmed via city Building Dept. FAQ)).
How many chickens can I keep in Bristol?
Up to 12 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Bristol?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Bristol.
What law covers backyard chickens in Bristol?
Ch. 4 - Animals and Fowl (confirmed via city Building Dept. FAQ). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Ch. 4 - Animals and Fowl (confirmed via city Building Dept. FAQ) — read the official code
“The keeping of of ducks, geese, chickens, pigeons, or similar small fowl is allowed provided the total is no greater than 12. No commercial enterprise shall be operated.” 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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