Can I keep chickens in Somerville, MA?
Yes — Somerville allows backyard chickens, up to 6 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 3 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Somerville Zoning Ordinance Art. 7, §7.11 (Table of Uses, footnote 20); Board of Health Policy Regulations for the Keeping of Hens, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($50) |
| Coop setback | 3 ft |
| Coop rules | Henhouse not permitted in front yard or street-facing side yard; subject to accessory structure setbacks (min 3 ft side/rear lines per zoning); henhouse min 2 sq ft per hen; enclosed pen min 4 sq ft pervious surface per hen; cleaned weekly; feed in rodent-proof container inside primary structure; noise per city ordinance; odors must not be perceptible at property boundaries; abutter notification required before permit |
| Code section | Somerville Zoning Ordinance Art. 7, §7.11 (Table of Uses, footnote 20); Board of Health Policy Regulations for the Keeping of Hens |
Somerville was among the first Massachusetts cities to pass an Urban Agriculture Ordinance. Up to 6 hens are allowed on any residential lot; roosters are prohibited. A Board of Health permit is required ($50 first year, $25 annual renewal). Henhouses are not permitted in front yards or street-facing side yards and must meet accessory structure setbacks.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Somerville?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Somerville (Somerville Zoning Ordinance Art. 7, §7.11 (Table of Uses, footnote 20); Board of Health Policy Regulations for the Keeping of Hens).
How many chickens can I keep in Somerville?
Up to 6 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Somerville?
Yes — Somerville requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $50).
Are roosters allowed in Somerville?
No — roosters are prohibited in Somerville.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Somerville?
3 feet minimum. Henhouse not permitted in front yard or street-facing side yard; subject to accessory structure setbacks (min 3 ft side/rear lines per zoning); henhouse min 2 sq ft per hen; enclosed pen min 4 sq ft pervious surface per hen; cleaned weekly; feed in rodent-proof container inside primary structure; noise per city ordinance; odors must not be perceptible at property boundaries; abutter notification required before permit
What law covers backyard chickens in Somerville?
Somerville Zoning Ordinance Art. 7, §7.11 (Table of Uses, footnote 20); Board of Health Policy Regulations for the Keeping of Hens. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Somerville Zoning Ordinance Art. 7, §7.11 (Table of Uses, footnote 20); Board of Health Policy Regulations for the Keeping of Hens — read the official code
“Hens shall be subject to the following rules: 1) Hens may be kept per 7.11.4.k on residential properties only; ... 3) a maximum of 6 hens may be kept on a lot ... 4) no roosters may be kept on lots in Somerville” source
“A maximum of six (6) hens may be kept on a lot. Roosters are not allowed to be kept in Somerville.” source
“No person shall keep hens on their premises without obtaining a permit from the Board of Health. Application fees are $50 for the first year and $25 for annual renewal with no modifications to the application or owner.” 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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