Can I keep chickens in Cambridge, MA?
Yes — Cambridge 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. (Cambridge Zoning Ordinance Art. 23.000 (amended Nov 2023); Cambridge Public Health Dept Regulation for Keeping of Hens (effective March 21, 2024, updated April 22, 2024), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($50) |
| Coop setback | 5 ft |
| Coop rules | Henhouse: min 2 sq ft/hen, enclosed on all sides and roofed, pest-proof with hardware cloth max 1/2 inch gaps, elevated 8 inches or buried hardware cloth 6 inches; Hen Run: min 4 sq ft/hen, fully enclosed; both at least 5 ft from property line unless solid barrier exists; 100 ft from wetlands; bi-weekly henhouse cleaning required; must be marked with owner name and contact info |
| Code section | Cambridge Zoning Ordinance Art. 23.000 (amended Nov 2023); Cambridge Public Health Dept Regulation for Keeping of Hens (effective March 21, 2024, updated April 22, 2024) |
Cambridge legalized henkeeping in November 2023 through a zoning ordinance amendment. Up to 6 hens are allowed per lot with an annual permit ($50 application, $25 renewal) from the Cambridge Public Health Department. Roosters are prohibited at all times. Hen enclosures must be pest-proof, set back at least 5 feet from property lines, and meet specific structural standards.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Cambridge?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Cambridge (Cambridge Zoning Ordinance Art. 23.000 (amended Nov 2023); Cambridge Public Health Dept Regulation for Keeping of Hens (effective March 21, 2024, updated April 22, 2024)).
How many chickens can I keep in Cambridge?
Up to 6 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Cambridge?
Yes — Cambridge requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $50).
Are roosters allowed in Cambridge?
No — roosters are prohibited in Cambridge.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Cambridge?
5 feet minimum. Henhouse: min 2 sq ft/hen, enclosed on all sides and roofed, pest-proof with hardware cloth max 1/2 inch gaps, elevated 8 inches or buried hardware cloth 6 inches; Hen Run: min 4 sq ft/hen, fully enclosed; both at least 5 ft from property line unless solid barrier exists; 100 ft from wetlands; bi-weekly henhouse cleaning required; must be marked with owner name and contact info
What law covers backyard chickens in Cambridge?
Cambridge Zoning Ordinance Art. 23.000 (amended Nov 2023); Cambridge Public Health Dept Regulation for Keeping of Hens (effective March 21, 2024, updated April 22, 2024). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Cambridge Zoning Ordinance Art. 23.000 (amended Nov 2023); Cambridge Public Health Dept Regulation for Keeping of Hens (effective March 21, 2024, updated April 22, 2024) — read the official code
“The Cambridge City Council amended the city's zoning ordinance in November 2023 to make henkeeping legal in Cambridge.” source
“Where Hen Keeping occurs, there shall be no more than six (6) Hens on a lot unless explicitly authorized by the Commissioner or their designees” source
“Application Fee shall be $50. Renewal Fee shall be $25.” source
“No person shall keep Hens in Cambridge without first obtaining a permit from the Commissioner.” 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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