Can I keep chickens in Taunton, MA?
Yes, with conditions — Taunton allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. Coops must be at least 300 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Taunton Zoning Ordinance Ch. 440, Art. V (§440-501/502), Art. II (§440-201), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Coop setback | 300 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 217,800 sq ft |
| Coop rules | Coop must be elevated at least 2 feet above ground; lean-to coops not allowed; all structures housing farm animals in residential zones must be set back 300 feet from nearest residential structure on adjacent lot |
| Code section | Taunton Zoning Ordinance Ch. 440, Art. V (§440-501/502), Art. II (§440-201) |
Taunton allows agricultural uses including poultry keeping as a permitted use in all zoning districts, but only on parcels of 5 acres (217,800 sq ft) or more. Farm structures must be set back 300 feet from the nearest residential structure on an adjacent lot, making backyard chickens impractical for most residential properties.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Taunton?
Yes, with conditions — Taunton allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Taunton Zoning Ordinance Ch. 440, Art. V (§440-501/502), Art. II (§440-201)).
How many chickens can I keep in Taunton?
It depends on your lot. No stated hen limit; permitted only on parcels 5 acres or larger as agricultural use; 300ft setback from adjacent residential structures required. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Taunton?
300 feet minimum. Coop must be elevated at least 2 feet above ground; lean-to coops not allowed; all structures housing farm animals in residential zones must be set back 300 feet from nearest residential structure on adjacent lot
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Taunton?
Yes — 217,800 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in Taunton?
Taunton Zoning Ordinance Ch. 440, Art. V (§440-501/502), Art. II (§440-201). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Taunton Zoning Ordinance Ch. 440, Art. V (§440-501/502), Art. II (§440-201) — read the official code
“agriculture and farming — [includes] the keeping and raising of poultry, swine, cattle and other domesticated animals used for food purposes” source
“Agricultural uses are permitted in all districts on parcels of five acres or more.” source
“All structures, pens, stables, and the like housing farm animals in any residential zone shall be set back 300 feet from the nearest residential structure on an adjacent 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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