Can I keep chickens in Gorham, ME?
Yes, with conditions — Gorham allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. Roosters are prohibited. (Ch. 300 Land Use and Development, Part 2, Art. 2-12, § 300-2.53 (amended April 4, 2023), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Coop rules | Structures and pens not permitted in front yard; must meet zone setback requirements; fenced to confine animals; constructed to prevent escape and provide weather protection. Manure in fully enclosed structure or covered airtight containers; no more than 3 cubic yards stored on site; odors not perceptible at property boundaries. |
| Code section | Ch. 300 Land Use and Development, Part 2, Art. 2-12, § 300-2.53 (amended April 4, 2023) |
Gorham allows chickens in Urban Residential, Suburban Residential, and Urban Residential Expansion Districts on a tiered lot-size basis: 6 chickens on lots under 20,000 sqft, 10 on lots 20,000–40,000 sqft, and 25 on lots over 40,000 sqft. Roosters are banned on lots under 6 acres. Coops must meet zone setback requirements and may not be in the front yard. No permit requirement appears in the ordinance.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Gorham?
Yes, with conditions — Gorham allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Ch. 300 Land Use and Development, Part 2, Art. 2-12, § 300-2.53 (amended April 4, 2023)).
How many chickens can I keep in Gorham?
It depends on your lot. Tiered by lot size: 6 up to 19,999 sq ft; 10 up to 40,000 sq ft. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Are roosters allowed in Gorham?
No — roosters are prohibited in Gorham.
What law covers backyard chickens in Gorham?
Ch. 300 Land Use and Development, Part 2, Art. 2-12, § 300-2.53 (amended April 4, 2023). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Ch. 300 Land Use and Development, Part 2, Art. 2-12, § 300-2.53 (amended April 4, 2023) — read the official code
“The purpose of this Article 2-12 is to provide for the keeping of domestic farm animals and livestock in the Suburban Residential, Urban Residential and Urban Residential Expansion Districts.” source
“Six chickens may be kept on a lot with a lot area less than 20,000 square feet. Up to 10 chickens may be kept on a lot with a lot area between 20,000 square feet and 40,000 square feet. Twenty-five chickens may be kept on a lot with a lot area greater than 40,000 square feet. On lots with a lot area less than six acres no roosters shall be kept.” 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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