Can I keep chickens in Cumberland, MD?
No — Cumberland does not allow backyard chickens in residential zones. (Ch. 4 Animals § 4-3, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | No |
|---|---|
| Code section | Ch. 4 Animals § 4-3 |
Cumberland explicitly prohibits keeping chickens within city limits under § 4-3 of Chapter 4. The ordinance lists chickens by name alongside cows, horses, hogs, and goats as prohibited animals in residential areas, with an exception only for operations regulated by the ICC or federal law.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Cumberland?
No — chickens are not allowed in Cumberland (Ch. 4 Animals § 4-3).
What law covers backyard chickens in Cumberland?
Ch. 4 Animals § 4-3. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Ch. 4 Animals § 4-3 — read the official code
“No person shall keep or allow to be kept, on any premises in his possession within the city, any cows, calves, heifers, bulls, horses, mules, hogs, sheep, goats or chickens; except for any operation involving the storage, resting, feeding or watering of cattle or livestock as conducted by any contract carrier, as required by the Interstate Commerce Commission or other federal or state law or regulation.” 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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