Can I keep chickens in Middletown, CT?
Yes, with conditions — Middletown allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. Coops must be at least 25 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Ch. 107-1 (Animals/Livestock Ordinance, adopted 2-8-1978; amended 3-7-2011 by Ord. No. 3-11), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 25 ft |
| Coop rules | At least 25 ft from any property line. At least 100 ft from any neighboring livable structure. At least 75 ft from any private water supply well or body of water. Fenced area required. Manure removed weekly (May 1 to Oct 1). Subject to CT Public Health Code Sec. 19-13-B21. |
| Code section | Ch. 107-1 (Animals/Livestock Ordinance, adopted 2-8-1978; amended 3-7-2011 by Ord. No. 3-11) |
Middletown generally prohibits poultry and livestock keeping but the Director of Health may grant exceptions for good cause. If approved: 25 ft from property lines and 100 ft from neighboring livable structures required. No minimum lot size. A 2026 news article suggests a proposed amendment to loosen the rules may be pending.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Middletown?
Yes, with conditions — Middletown allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Ch. 107-1 (Animals/Livestock Ordinance, adopted 2-8-1978; amended 3-7-2011 by Ord. No. 3-11)).
How many chickens can I keep in Middletown?
It depends on your lot. Director of Health authorization required; no flock size limit specified; 25 ft from property line and 100 ft from neighboring livable structure. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Middletown?
Yes — Middletown requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Middletown?
25 feet minimum. At least 25 ft from any property line. At least 100 ft from any neighboring livable structure. At least 75 ft from any private water supply well or body of water. Fenced area required. Manure removed weekly (May 1 to Oct 1). Subject to CT Public Health Code Sec. 19-13-B21.
What law covers backyard chickens in Middletown?
Ch. 107-1 (Animals/Livestock Ordinance, adopted 2-8-1978; amended 3-7-2011 by Ord. No. 3-11). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Ch. 107-1 (Animals/Livestock Ordinance, adopted 2-8-1978; amended 3-7-2011 by Ord. No. 3-11) — read the official code
“In all other applications, the keeping of poultry and other species of birds, cattle, horses, goats, sheep or any other animal that, in the opinion of the Director of Health, based on state health regulations and codes, may create a nuisance or public health hazard is prohibited. The Director of Health for good cause may grant authorization to a person(s) requesting an exception: No livestock shall be kept within 25 feet of a property line. No livestock shall be kept within a minimum of 100 feet from a neighboring, livable structure.” source
“How much land must you own to have chickens? There is no lot size minimum, you must simply maintain proper separation distance 25 feet from property line and 100 feet from neighboring houses.” 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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