Can I keep chickens in Brockton, MA?
Yes — Brockton allows backyard chickens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 15 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Brockton Board of Health Regulations for the Keeping of Domestic Farm Animals and Fowl, §§4.2, 4.3, 4.5; Section M (roosters); Section 5 (licensing), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($30) |
| Coop setback | 15 ft |
| Coop rules | Coop: 2 sq ft interior per hen; Run: 5 sq ft per hen. Located in rear or side yard; comply with zoning district setbacks. No coop closer than 10 ft from any habitable structure on the property; at least 15 ft from any neighboring primary dwelling; at least 6 ft from side lot line or 10 ft from rear lot line. At least 50 ft from any well. Not in front yard or side yard bordering public way (unless screened by fence). Facility must not produce noise or odor nuisance. Cleaned at least weekly; disinfected 3 times per year. Feed in rodent-proof container. |
| Code section | Brockton Board of Health Regulations for the Keeping of Domestic Farm Animals and Fowl, §§4.2, 4.3, 4.5; Section M (roosters); Section 5 (licensing) |
Brockton allows keeping of hens with a Board of Health license ($30 for a 3-year period). No explicit maximum hen count is stated; the number of animals is specified on the individual license application. Roosters and crowing hens are prohibited citywide. Coops must be at least 15 feet from any neighboring primary dwelling, 10 feet from any habitable structure on the property, and at least 6 feet from the side lot line or 10 feet from the rear lot line.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Brockton?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Brockton (Brockton Board of Health Regulations for the Keeping of Domestic Farm Animals and Fowl, §§4.2, 4.3, 4.5; Section M (roosters); Section 5 (licensing)).
How many chickens can I keep in Brockton?
It depends on your lot. No flat maximum in primary regulations; applicant specifies number on license application; Board of Health determines adequacy per coop size (2 sq ft/hen coop, 5 sq ft/hen run).
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Brockton?
Yes — Brockton requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $30).
Are roosters allowed in Brockton?
No — roosters are prohibited in Brockton.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Brockton?
15 feet minimum. Coop: 2 sq ft interior per hen; Run: 5 sq ft per hen. Located in rear or side yard; comply with zoning district setbacks. No coop closer than 10 ft from any habitable structure on the property; at least 15 ft from any neighboring primary dwelling; at least 6 ft from side lot line or 10 ft from rear lot line. At least 50 ft from any well. Not in front yard or side yard bordering public way (unless screened by fence). Facility must not produce noise or odor nuisance. Cleaned at least weekly; disinfected 3 times per year. Feed in rodent-proof container.
What law covers backyard chickens in Brockton?
Brockton Board of Health Regulations for the Keeping of Domestic Farm Animals and Fowl, §§4.2, 4.3, 4.5; Section M (roosters); Section 5 (licensing). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Brockton Board of Health Regulations for the Keeping of Domestic Farm Animals and Fowl, §§4.2, 4.3, 4.5; Section M (roosters); Section 5 (licensing) — read the official code
“The coop shall, as a general rule, allow each hen two (2) s.f. of interior floor room for smaller birds like chickens and guinea hens.” source
“The run shall, as a general rule, allow each hen five (5) s.f. of room for smaller birds like chickens and guinea hens.” source
“Fee for a license shall be thirty dollars for a period of three years beginning as of the date of publication in the city newspaper. Any license holder must apply for a renewal of the license at least forty-five (45) days prior to the expiration of said license.” source
“A license is required for anyone keeping one (1) or more domestic farm animals or fowl as defined in these Regulations.” 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 →