Can I keep chickens in Boston, MA?
Yes — Boston allows backyard chickens, up to 6 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 5 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Boston Code of Ordinances §16-1.8A; Article 89, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 5 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Rear yard only; max 8ft height; min 2 sq ft per hen in coop, 4 sq ft per hen in run; solid construction to prevent rats; feed in rodent-proof containers |
| Code section | Boston Code of Ordinances §16-1.8A; Article 89 |
Boston allows up to 6 hens (plus 6 replacement pullets) with a Use of Premises permit from Inspectional Services and Zoning Board of Appeals approval. Roosters and on-site slaughter are prohibited. Coops must be in the rear yard, set back at least 5 feet from property lines, and meet specific construction standards.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Boston?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Boston (Boston Code of Ordinances §16-1.8A; Article 89).
How many chickens can I keep in Boston?
Up to 6 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Boston?
Yes — Boston requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Boston?
No — roosters are prohibited in Boston.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Boston?
5 feet minimum. Rear yard only; max 8ft height; min 2 sq ft per hen in coop, 4 sq ft per hen in run; solid construction to prevent rats; feed in rodent-proof containers
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Boston?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Boston's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Boston?
Boston Code of Ordinances §16-1.8A; Article 89. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Boston Code of Ordinances §16-1.8A; Article 89 — read the official code
“In Boston, residents are permitted to keep live fowl, provided they obtain a required city permit and strictly follow local codes and regulations” source
“A maximum of six adult hens and six non-egg-laying replacement chicks or pullets are permitted per lot.” source
“Roosters Prohibited: Roosters are not allowed to prevent noise issues.” source
“Coops and runs must be located in the rear yard and set back at least five feet from property lines (unless a solid barrier exists).” source
Last verified June 15, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
Reach people actively researching backyard chickens in their city. Founding sponsor slots now open.
Apply to become a sponsor →