Can I keep chickens in Dover, NH?
Yes, with conditions — Dover allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 6 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited. (Chapter 170 (Zoning), per-district use table attachments (2024 recodification, Ord. 2024.07.10-6), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Coop rules | 3 sq ft of indoor coop space per chicken; 20 sq ft of fenced outdoor enclosure yard per chicken. Chickens permitted in all standard residential districts per 2024 recodified per-district use tables. |
| Code section | Chapter 170 (Zoning), per-district use table attachments (2024 recodification, Ord. 2024.07.10-6) |
Dover's 2024 recodified zoning allows up to 6 chickens (no roosters) in residential districts. Rules are embedded in per-district use table attachments rather than a standalone section. Each chicken requires at least 3 square feet of indoor coop space and 20 square feet of fenced outdoor enclosure.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Dover?
Yes, with conditions — Dover allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Chapter 170 (Zoning), per-district use table attachments (2024 recodification, Ord. 2024.07.10-6)).
How many chickens can I keep in Dover?
Up to 6 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Are roosters allowed in Dover?
No — roosters are prohibited in Dover.
What law covers backyard chickens in Dover?
Chapter 170 (Zoning), per-district use table attachments (2024 recodification, Ord. 2024.07.10-6). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Chapter 170 (Zoning), per-district use table attachments (2024 recodification, Ord. 2024.07.10-6) — read the official code
“Chickens: no more than 6 chickens and no roosters, with 3 square feet of chicken coop and 20 square feet of a fenced enclosure yard per chicken” 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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