Can I keep chickens in Shelton, CT?
Yes, with conditions — Shelton allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 10 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 50 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Zoning Regulations § 45.9 (adopted March 11, 2016), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 10 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 50 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 40,000 sq ft |
| Coop rules | All chickens must be kept in enclosed coops at all times. Coops must not be within 50 ft of any side or rear property line. No coop in front of dwelling. Coops and enclosures must be screened from view of adjacent property lines and street. Coops on well-drained soils. No free-roaming. Eggs and chickens for personal or household use only. |
| Code section | Zoning Regulations § 45.9 (adopted March 11, 2016) |
Shelton allows chickens on lots of at least 40,000 sq ft (about 0.92 acres) in all residential zones under § 45.9. Lots 40,000-79,999 sq ft: up to 5 hens. Lots 80,000-199,999 sq ft: up to 10 hens. No permit required. All chickens must stay in enclosed coops with 50 ft setback from side and rear property lines. Roosters prohibited.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Shelton?
Yes, with conditions — Shelton allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Zoning Regulations § 45.9 (adopted March 11, 2016)).
How many chickens can I keep in Shelton?
Up to 10 hens. Tiered by lot size: 5 up to 79,999 sq ft; 10 up to 199,999 sq ft. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Shelton?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Shelton.
Are roosters allowed in Shelton?
No — roosters are prohibited in Shelton.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Shelton?
50 feet minimum. All chickens must be kept in enclosed coops at all times. Coops must not be within 50 ft of any side or rear property line. No coop in front of dwelling. Coops and enclosures must be screened from view of adjacent property lines and street. Coops on well-drained soils. No free-roaming. Eggs and chickens for personal or household use only.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Shelton?
Yes — 40,000 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in Shelton?
Zoning Regulations § 45.9 (adopted March 11, 2016). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Zoning Regulations § 45.9 (adopted March 11, 2016) — read the official code
“45.9.1 On lots containing between 40,000 square feet and 80,000 square feet no more than 5 chickens shall be permitted. Roosters are prohibited. 45.9.2 On lots containing between 80,000 square feet and 199,999 square feet no more than 10 chickens shall be permitted. Roosters are prohibited. 45.9.3 All chickens shall be kept within appropriate enclosures or coops at all times and shall not be located within 50 feet from any side or rear property lines.” 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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