Can I keep chickens in Auburn, ME?
Yes, with conditions — Auburn allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 6 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited. (Ch. 8, Div. 4, § 8-298(b), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop rules | Rear or side yard only; must meet zoning accessory structure setbacks for district; henhouse must be clean and sanitary; hens must be penned at all times. |
| Code section | Ch. 8, Div. 4, § 8-298(b) |
Auburn allows up to 6 female chickens on lots under 0.49 acres (no permit required). On lots 0.5 acres or larger, 12 laying hens per acre prorated up to a maximum of 36 hens per single-family residence. Roosters are expressly prohibited. No permit requirement was found in the ordinance; setbacks defer to zoning accessory structure rules.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Auburn?
Yes, with conditions — Auburn allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Ch. 8, Div. 4, § 8-298(b)).
How many chickens can I keep in Auburn?
Up to 6 hens. 6 hens on lots under 0.49 acres; 12 hens per acre prorated (up to 36 max) on lots 0.5 acres or larger; roosters prohibited per § 8-298(b). Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Auburn?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Auburn.
Are roosters allowed in Auburn?
No — roosters are prohibited in Auburn.
What law covers backyard chickens in Auburn?
Ch. 8, Div. 4, § 8-298(b). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Ch. 8, Div. 4, § 8-298(b) — read the official code
“Number of laying hens allowed. The maximum number of laying hens allowed is based on the total lot size the resident uses to house the poultry: a. On lots less than .49 acres in area a maximum of six laying hens shall be allowed, b. On .5 acre or larger lots, 12 laying hens per acre prorated based on actual lot size up to a total maximum of 36 laying hens per single-family detached residence. Roosters prohibited. The keeping of roosters is expressly prohibited.” source
Last verified June 14, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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