Can I keep chickens in Lewiston, ME?
Yes, with conditions — Lewiston allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 6 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 20 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Ch. 14, Art. VII, Div. 4, §§ 14-33 to 14-39 (Ord. No. 16-07, eff. 10/06/2016), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 20 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 30,000 sq ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Henhouse required in rear or side yard behind principal structure; not attached to dwelling; 20 ft setback from all property lines; enclosures clean, dry, odor-free; chickens secured in henhouse during non-daylight hours; free-ranging prohibited; chickens from NPIP-approved source required. |
| Code section | Ch. 14, Art. VII, Div. 4, §§ 14-33 to 14-39 (Ord. No. 16-07, eff. 10/06/2016) |
Lewiston adopted its chicken ordinance in October 2016, permitting up to 6 female chickens on single-family lots of at least 30,000 sq ft (roughly 0.7 acres). A use permit is required, roosters and slaughter are banned, and the coop must have a 20-foot setback from all property lines. Chickens must be sourced from NPIP-approved hatcheries.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Lewiston?
Yes, with conditions — Lewiston allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Ch. 14, Art. VII, Div. 4, §§ 14-33 to 14-39 (Ord. No. 16-07, eff. 10/06/2016)).
How many chickens can I keep in Lewiston?
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 Lewiston?
Yes — Lewiston requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Lewiston?
No — roosters are prohibited in Lewiston.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Lewiston?
20 feet minimum. Henhouse required in rear or side yard behind principal structure; not attached to dwelling; 20 ft setback from all property lines; enclosures clean, dry, odor-free; chickens secured in henhouse during non-daylight hours; free-ranging prohibited; chickens from NPIP-approved source required.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Lewiston?
Yes — 30,000 sq ft.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Lewiston?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Lewiston's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Lewiston?
Ch. 14, Art. VII, Div. 4, §§ 14-33 to 14-39 (Ord. No. 16-07, eff. 10/06/2016). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Ch. 14, Art. VII, Div. 4, §§ 14-33 to 14-39 (Ord. No. 16-07, eff. 10/06/2016) — read the official code
“The maximum number of chickens allowed is six (6) per lot developed with a single family dwelling. Only female chickens are allowed. Chicken henhouses, fenced areas, and enclosures shall not be closer than twenty (20) feet to any property line. The slaughtering of chickens is prohibited.” source
“Lewiston will be joining several other cities in Maine that allow backyard chickens on properties of 30,000 square feet or more, with no more than a single-family dwelling.” 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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