Can I keep chickens in Goffstown, NH?
Yes, with conditions — Goffstown allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 10 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 50 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Zoning Ordinance §§ 5.4.2.5.2-5.4.2.5.4; Table of Accessory Uses Row 11 (2026), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 10 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 50 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 21,780 sq ft |
| Coop rules | Poultry must be kept within a coop or fenced area; 50 ft setback from all property lines (may be reduced by Special Exception). Not permitted in RSBO-1 or VC districts. On lots 2+ acres, no hen-count limit but same 50 ft setback applies. |
| Code section | Zoning Ordinance §§ 5.4.2.5.2-5.4.2.5.4; Table of Accessory Uses Row 11 (2026) |
Goffstown permits raising and keeping poultry in COA, A, R-1, and R-2 districts on lots of at least half an acre. On lots of 0.5-2 acres, up to 10 hens are allowed with roosters prohibited and a 50-foot setback from all property lines. On lots over 2 acres there is no hen-count limit, though the same 50-foot setback applies.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Goffstown?
Yes, with conditions — Goffstown allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Zoning Ordinance §§ 5.4.2.5.2-5.4.2.5.4; Table of Accessory Uses Row 11 (2026)).
How many chickens can I keep in Goffstown?
Up to 10 hens. Tiered by lot size: 10 up to 87,120 sq ft. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Goffstown?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Goffstown.
Are roosters allowed in Goffstown?
No — roosters are prohibited in Goffstown.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Goffstown?
50 feet minimum. Poultry must be kept within a coop or fenced area; 50 ft setback from all property lines (may be reduced by Special Exception). Not permitted in RSBO-1 or VC districts. On lots 2+ acres, no hen-count limit but same 50 ft setback applies.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Goffstown?
Yes — 21,780 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in Goffstown?
Zoning Ordinance §§ 5.4.2.5.2-5.4.2.5.4; Table of Accessory Uses Row 11 (2026). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Zoning Ordinance §§ 5.4.2.5.2-5.4.2.5.4; Table of Accessory Uses Row 11 (2026) — read the official code
“§ 5.4.2.5.2: Poultry is a permitted accessory use in COA, A, R-1, and R-2 districts on lots of at least 0.5 acre. § 5.4.2.5.3.1: On lots of 0.5 to 2 acres, a maximum of 10 poultry are permitted; roosters and geese are prohibited; all structures and enclosures shall be set back a minimum of 50 feet from all property lines.” 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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