Can I keep chickens in West Hartford, CT?
No — West Hartford does not allow backyard chickens in residential zones. (Zoning Ordinance § 177-B (use-exclusion interpretation), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | No |
|---|---|
| Code section | Zoning Ordinance § 177-B (use-exclusion interpretation) |
West Hartford prohibits backyard chickens on residential properties. The Town Planner officially confirmed in 2015 that the zoning ordinance excludes any use not expressly permitted and that no raising of chickens or poultry is permitted except on farms. No chicken ordinance has been enacted despite years of resident petitions.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in West Hartford?
No — chickens are not allowed in West Hartford (Zoning Ordinance § 177-B (use-exclusion interpretation)).
What law covers backyard chickens in West Hartford?
Zoning Ordinance § 177-B (use-exclusion interpretation). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Zoning Ordinance § 177-B (use-exclusion interpretation) — read the official code
“Town Planner Todd Dumais confirmed that the interpretation of the existing ordinance is that if it is not a permitted use, it is prohibited. No raising of chickens or poultry is permitted with the exception of farm use. They are saying that if it is not specifically identified as a permissive use it is illegal under ordinance 177-B.” 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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