Can I keep chickens in Lewes, DE?
No — Lewes does not allow backyard chickens in residential zones. (Chapter 59 Animals, Article I, §59-1, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | No |
|---|---|
| Code section | Chapter 59 Animals, Article I, §59-1 |
Chickens (poultry) are explicitly prohibited within the City of Lewes under §59-1, which bans all poultry and non-pet animals from the city. This prohibition is additionally confirmed by the city zoning use regulations.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Lewes?
No — chickens are not allowed in Lewes (Chapter 59 Animals, Article I, §59-1).
What law covers backyard chickens in Lewes?
Chapter 59 Animals, Article I, §59-1. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Chapter 59 Animals, Article I, §59-1 — read the official code
“No person shall bring into, keep, maintain or suffer or permit the keeping or maintaining of horses, donkeys, cattle, sheep, swine, goats, poultry, pigeons or any other animal, except common household pets, within the City of Lewes.” 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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