Can I keep chickens in Dover, DE?
Yes — Dover allows backyard chickens, up to 5 hens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 20 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Appendix B Zoning, Article 3, Section 1.15(e), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 5 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 20 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 10,890 sq ft |
| Coop rules | Coop in rear yard; min 4 sq ft per chicken; odor not discernible from property lines; register with Delaware DDA |
| Code section | Appendix B Zoning, Article 3, Section 1.15(e) |
Chickens are allowed in Dover residential zones. Maximum 5 hens; roosters prohibited. Minimum lot size 10,890 sq ft. Coop must be in rear yard with 20 ft setback from property lines and minimum 4 sq ft per bird. All chickens must be registered with the Delaware Department of Agriculture.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Dover?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Dover (Appendix B Zoning, Article 3, Section 1.15(e)).
How many chickens can I keep in Dover?
Up to 5 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Dover?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Dover.
Are roosters allowed in Dover?
No — roosters are prohibited in Dover.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Dover?
20 feet minimum. Coop in rear yard; min 4 sq ft per chicken; odor not discernible from property lines; register with Delaware DDA
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Dover?
Yes — 10,890 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in Dover?
Appendix B Zoning, Article 3, Section 1.15(e). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Appendix B Zoning, Article 3, Section 1.15(e) — read the official code
“Keeping of chickens for individual domestic purposes: no more than five (5) chickens permitted on a residential lot; coops in rear yard minimum 20 feet from side and rear property lines; minimum 4 sq ft per chicken.” 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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