Can I keep chickens in Bangor, ME?
Yes, with conditions — Bangor allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. (Ch. 65, Art. III, § 65-10; Ch. 165, Art. XIII and Art. XV, § 165-105 (RR&A District), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Coop rules | Fowl are prohibited within the urban developed area as defined in Ch. 165, Art. XIII. Permitted only in the Rural Residence and Agricultural District (RR&A) on the city outskirts. |
| Code section | Ch. 65, Art. III, § 65-10; Ch. 165, Art. XIII and Art. XV, § 165-105 (RR&A District) |
Bangor's § 65-10 prohibits keeping fowl of any kind in the city's urban developed area. Chickens are only permitted in the Rural Residence and Agricultural (RR&A) District on the urban fringe. Maine PL 2025 c.174 (Title 7 § 219-D) now prohibits municipalities from banning hens on residential property, but as of June 2026 Bangor's code had not been updated to reflect this.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Bangor?
Yes, with conditions — Bangor allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Ch. 65, Art. III, § 65-10; Ch. 165, Art. XIII and Art. XV, § 165-105 (RR&A District)).
How many chickens can I keep in Bangor?
It depends on your lot. No urban residential chicken ordinance; fowl permitted only in RR&A agricultural zone on city outskirts. ME Title 7 §219-D (2025) may supersede the urban ban.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
What law covers backyard chickens in Bangor?
Ch. 65, Art. III, § 65-10; Ch. 165, Art. XIII and Art. XV, § 165-105 (RR&A District). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Ch. 65, Art. III, § 65-10; Ch. 165, Art. XIII and Art. XV, § 165-105 (RR&A District) — read the official code
“No person shall keep any fowl, goats, sheep, cattle or swine of any kind within the urban developed area of the City of Bangor, as defined in Chapter 165, Land Development, Article XIII, of the Code of the City of Bangor.” source
“Agriculture. The sale of farm, nursery, dairy or poultry products within a structure having a gross floor area of not more than 500 square feet.” source
Last verified June 14, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
Reach people actively researching backyard chickens in their city. Founding sponsor slots now open.
Apply to become a sponsor →