Can I keep chickens in South Portland, ME?
Yes, with conditions — South 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 20 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Code of Ordinances Ch. 3, Art. II (Domesticated Chickens), §§ 3-51 to 3-70 (first adopted 2007; amended Ord. No. 9-24/25, 1/7/2025), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($25) |
| Coop setback | 20 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Annual permit + building permit required for henhouse construction; rear yard only (side yard for corner lots); if henhouse within 20 ft of property line, abutter notice required 20 days before applying; pen must use sturdy wire fencing buried 12 inches, covered, no chicken wire; chickens in henhouse during non-daylight hours; motion-activated exterior lighting only; max 3 cubic feet manure stored. |
| Code section | Code of Ordinances Ch. 3, Art. II (Domesticated Chickens), §§ 3-51 to 3-70 (first adopted 2007; amended Ord. No. 9-24/25, 1/7/2025) |
South Portland has a comprehensive chicken ordinance first adopted in 2007 and updated as recently as January 2025. Up to 6 hens per lot are permitted citywide; roosters and slaughter are prohibited. Both an annual permit and a building permit are required. Coops must be in the rear yard; if placed within 20 feet of a property line, abutting owners must be notified before permit issuance.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in South Portland?
Yes, with conditions — South Portland allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Code of Ordinances Ch. 3, Art. II (Domesticated Chickens), §§ 3-51 to 3-70 (first adopted 2007; amended Ord. No. 9-24/25, 1/7/2025)).
How many chickens can I keep in South 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 South Portland?
Yes — South Portland requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $25).
Are roosters allowed in South Portland?
No — roosters are prohibited in South Portland.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in South Portland?
20 feet minimum. Annual permit + building permit required for henhouse construction; rear yard only (side yard for corner lots); if henhouse within 20 ft of property line, abutter notice required 20 days before applying; pen must use sturdy wire fencing buried 12 inches, covered, no chicken wire; chickens in henhouse during non-daylight hours; motion-activated exterior lighting only; max 3 cubic feet manure stored.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in South Portland?
No — slaughter is not permitted under South Portland's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in South Portland?
Code of Ordinances Ch. 3, Art. II (Domesticated Chickens), §§ 3-51 to 3-70 (first adopted 2007; amended Ord. No. 9-24/25, 1/7/2025). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Code of Ordinances Ch. 3, Art. II (Domesticated Chickens), §§ 3-51 to 3-70 (first adopted 2007; amended Ord. No. 9-24/25, 1/7/2025) — read the official code
“The maximum number of chickens allowed is six (6) per lot regardless of how many dwelling units are on the lot.” source
“An annual permit is required for the keeping of any domesticated chickens in the City of South Portland. Additionally, a building permit is required for the construction of a henhouse and chicken pen.” source
“Only female chickens are allowed. The slaughtering of chickens is prohibited.” source
“If a henhouse is proposed to be located less than twenty (20) feet from any side or rear property line, the applicant shall provide proof to the Code Enforcement Officer that notification has been provided to abutting property owners at least twenty (20) days before applying for a permit.” 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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