Can I keep chickens in Portland, ME?
Yes, with conditions — Portland allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 6 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 25 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Code of Ordinances Ch. 5, Art. 5-4, §§ 5-402–5-405, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 25 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Henhouse and chicken pen required; rear yard only; motion-activated exterior lighting only; enclosures must be rodent- and predator-proof; chickens secured in henhouse during non-daylight hours. |
| Code section | Code of Ordinances Ch. 5, Art. 5-4, §§ 5-402–5-405 |
Portland, Maine allows up to 6 female chickens per lot (no roosters) with a permit required. Coops must be in the rear yard, set back 25 feet from dwellings, and slaughter is prohibited. The city's online livestock guide may indicate no permit is needed under Title 13 standards, conflicting with older Chapter 5 text — residents should confirm with Code Enforcement.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Portland?
Yes, with conditions — Portland allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Code of Ordinances Ch. 5, Art. 5-4, §§ 5-402–5-405).
How many chickens can I keep in Portland?
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 Portland?
Yes — Portland requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Portland?
No — roosters are prohibited in Portland.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Portland?
25 feet minimum. Henhouse and chicken pen required; rear yard only; motion-activated exterior lighting only; enclosures must be rodent- and predator-proof; chickens secured in henhouse during non-daylight hours.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Portland?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Portland's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Portland?
Code of Ordinances Ch. 5, Art. 5-4, §§ 5-402–5-405. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Code of Ordinances Ch. 5, Art. 5-4, §§ 5-402–5-405 — read the official code
“No more than six (6) hens shall be allowed on each Lot. Roosters shall not be kept. [Henhouse] must be set back at least twenty-five (25) feet from any dwelling. The 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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