Can I keep chickens in New Bedford, MA?
Yes — New Bedford allows backyard chickens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 12 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (New Bedford Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Ch. 9, §2813 (Standards for Agricultural Uses), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 1 per 1,000 sq ft |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 12 ft |
| Coop rules | Coop no larger than 200 sq ft; must be located in rear yard; 12 ft from all property lines |
| Code section | New Bedford Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Ch. 9, §2813 (Standards for Agricultural Uses) |
New Bedford allows hens under its comprehensive zoning ordinance, with the number limited to 1 head of poultry per 1,000 square feet of net lot area. A permit is required to build a chicken coop. Coops are limited to 200 sq ft, must be in the rear yard, and set back 12 feet from all property lines.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in New Bedford?
Yes — chickens are allowed in New Bedford (New Bedford Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Ch. 9, §2813 (Standards for Agricultural Uses)).
How many chickens can I keep in New Bedford?
It depends on your lot. 1 hen per 1,000 sq ft of lot area.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in New Bedford?
Yes — New Bedford requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in New Bedford?
No — roosters are prohibited in New Bedford.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in New Bedford?
12 feet minimum. Coop no larger than 200 sq ft; must be located in rear yard; 12 ft from all property lines
What law covers backyard chickens in New Bedford?
New Bedford Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Ch. 9, §2813 (Standards for Agricultural Uses). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
New Bedford Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Ch. 9, §2813 (Standards for Agricultural Uses) — read the official code
“Coop no larger than 200 sq ft; located in rear yard; 12 ft from all property lines” source
“Animals or flocks of poultry shall not exceed one animal or head of poultry per one thousand (1,000) square feet of net area of the lot.” 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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