Can I keep chickens in West Haven, CT?
Yes — West Haven allows backyard chickens, up to 4 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 25 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Planning and Zoning Commission Approval (2019); West Haven Planning and Development Dept., verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 4 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($25) |
| Coop setback | 25 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 10,890 sq ft |
| Coop rules | Fenced enclosure max 200 sq ft in rear yard only. Enclosure at least 25 ft from street line, 10 ft from any residential dwelling, and 10 ft from any property line. Heat lamps prohibited. Hen legs must be banded with identifying bands. Annual permit renewal required. |
| Code section | Planning and Zoning Commission Approval (2019); West Haven Planning and Development Dept. |
West Haven allows up to 4 hens (no roosters) on R-1 and R-2 lots of at least 0.25 acres, with a $25 annual permit from the Planning and Development Department. Fenced enclosure must be in rear yard, max 200 sq ft, with setbacks of 25 ft from street, 10 ft from any residential dwelling, and 10 ft from any property line.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in West Haven?
Yes — chickens are allowed in West Haven (Planning and Zoning Commission Approval (2019); West Haven Planning and Development Dept.).
How many chickens can I keep in West Haven?
Up to 4 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in West Haven?
Yes — West Haven requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $25).
Are roosters allowed in West Haven?
No — roosters are prohibited in West Haven.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in West Haven?
25 feet minimum. Fenced enclosure max 200 sq ft in rear yard only. Enclosure at least 25 ft from street line, 10 ft from any residential dwelling, and 10 ft from any property line. Heat lamps prohibited. Hen legs must be banded with identifying bands. Annual permit renewal required.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in West Haven?
Yes — 10,890 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in West Haven?
Planning and Zoning Commission Approval (2019); West Haven Planning and Development Dept.. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Planning and Zoning Commission Approval (2019); West Haven Planning and Development Dept. — read the official code
“No more than four (4) hens may be kept on any property no less than .25 acres and located in the following residence zoning districts as a non-commercial accessory use: R-1 (Single Family Detached Residence) R-2 (Single Family Detached Residence). The hens shall be confined to a fenced enclosure of no more than 200 square feet in area, located in a rear yard. The fenced enclosure shall be at least twenty five (25) feet from any street line, at least ten (10) feet from any residential dwelling and at least ten (10) feet from any property line. WITH A $25 CHECK PAYABLE TO: CITY OF WEST HAVEN.” 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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