Can I keep chickens in Brunswick, ME?
Yes, with conditions — Brunswick allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 6 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Ch. 4 (Animals), § 4-61, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($10) |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Henhouse in rear yard only; at least 10 ft from all property lines; clean with latchable doors and windows; predator-proof wire no less than 1-inch openings; no scrap materials or sheet metal; manure stored in fully enclosed covered structure; hens secured in henhouse during non-daylight hours. Outside slaughtering prohibited. |
| Code section | Ch. 4 (Animals), § 4-61 |
Brunswick allows up to 6 hens in its designated growth zone (does not apply to rural areas). Roosters are prohibited. An annual license ($10, renewable by April 30) is required from the Town Clerk after Animal Control Officer inspection. The henhouse must be in the rear yard at least 10 ft from all property lines, constructed of substantial materials. Outside slaughter is prohibited.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Brunswick?
Yes, with conditions — Brunswick allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Ch. 4 (Animals), § 4-61).
How many chickens can I keep in Brunswick?
Up to 6 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Brunswick?
Yes — Brunswick requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $10).
Are roosters allowed in Brunswick?
No — roosters are prohibited in Brunswick.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Brunswick?
10 feet minimum. Henhouse in rear yard only; at least 10 ft from all property lines; clean with latchable doors and windows; predator-proof wire no less than 1-inch openings; no scrap materials or sheet metal; manure stored in fully enclosed covered structure; hens secured in henhouse during non-daylight hours. Outside slaughtering prohibited.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Brunswick?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Brunswick's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Brunswick?
Ch. 4 (Animals), § 4-61. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Ch. 4 (Animals), § 4-61 — read the official code
“Chapter 4 - ANIMALS (ordinance exists in Municode; JS-rendered page confirmed to contain chicken ordinance)” source
“Max Chickens Allowed: 6 Females; Roosters Allowed: No; Permit Required: Yes; Henhouse must be clean, at least 10 feet away from property lines, in the rear of the property, and cannot be made of scrap materials. Licences are required, cost 10 dollars, and must be renewed yearly before they expire annually on the last day in April. Outside slaughtering of chickens is 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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