Can I keep chickens in Waterbury, CT?
Yes, with conditions — Waterbury allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 50 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Zoning Regulations § 10.22, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 50 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 43,560 sq ft |
| Coop rules | Minimum 1-acre lot required. Up to 25 chickens per acre. Coop must be at least 50 ft from any lot line. Zoning Permit required. No roosters. |
| Code section | Zoning Regulations § 10.22 |
Waterbury requires a minimum 1-acre lot to keep chickens, with a ratio of up to 25 per acre, a Zoning Permit, and a 50 ft setback from lot lines. Roosters are prohibited. A December 2025 Zoning Commission vote denied an amendment that would have allowed chickens on smaller residential lots. Most Waterbury lots are under 1 acre, effectively banning chickens for most residents.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Waterbury?
Yes, with conditions — Waterbury allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Zoning Regulations § 10.22).
How many chickens can I keep in Waterbury?
It depends on your lot. Minimum 1 acre required; up to 25 chickens per acre with Zoning Permit; roosters prohibited; 50 ft setback from lot lines. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Waterbury?
Yes — Waterbury requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Waterbury?
No — roosters are prohibited in Waterbury.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Waterbury?
50 feet minimum. Minimum 1-acre lot required. Up to 25 chickens per acre. Coop must be at least 50 ft from any lot line. Zoning Permit required. No roosters.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Waterbury?
Yes — 43,560 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in Waterbury?
Zoning Regulations § 10.22. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Zoning Regulations § 10.22 — read the official code
“Livestock and Poultry - Keeping of livestock and poultry by the occupant of the dwelling unit on the same property. Use table: ZP ZP ZP ZP ZP ZP 10.22 — Zoning Permit required in all residential zones, governed by § 10.22.” 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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