Can I keep chickens in Hampton, NH?
Yes, with conditions — Hampton allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 8 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 20 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Zoning Ordinance Article XX §§ 20.1-20.2 (adopted March 2022; amended March 2023), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 8 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 20 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 10,000 sq ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Coop and fenced run in side or rear yard only; min 4 sq ft per hen inside coop; max 6 ft coop height; enclosed on all sides; weather-resistant materials; fenced enclosure min 25 sq ft per chicken; manure composted in fully enclosed container (max 3 cu ft stored); feed securely stored; Building Inspector approval of coops and fenced areas required. Egg sales permitted. |
| Code section | Zoning Ordinance Article XX §§ 20.1-20.2 (adopted March 2022; amended March 2023) |
Hampton allows up to 8 hens in RAA, RA, RB, or G zoning districts on lots of at least 10,000 sq ft, with Building Inspector approval required before keeping chickens. Roosters are prohibited and no slaughter is allowed, though egg sales are explicitly permitted. Coops and fenced runs must be in side or rear yard with a 20-foot property-line setback.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Hampton?
Yes, with conditions — Hampton allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Zoning Ordinance Article XX §§ 20.1-20.2 (adopted March 2022; amended March 2023)).
How many chickens can I keep in Hampton?
Up to 8 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Hampton?
Yes — Hampton requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Hampton?
No — roosters are prohibited in Hampton.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Hampton?
20 feet minimum. Coop and fenced run in side or rear yard only; min 4 sq ft per hen inside coop; max 6 ft coop height; enclosed on all sides; weather-resistant materials; fenced enclosure min 25 sq ft per chicken; manure composted in fully enclosed container (max 3 cu ft stored); feed securely stored; Building Inspector approval of coops and fenced areas required. Egg sales permitted.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Hampton?
Yes — 10,000 sq ft.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Hampton?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Hampton's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Hampton?
Zoning Ordinance Article XX §§ 20.1-20.2 (adopted March 2022; amended March 2023). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Zoning Ordinance Article XX §§ 20.1-20.2 (adopted March 2022; amended March 2023) — read the official code
“Article XX § 20.2: No more than eight (8) hens may be kept. Only female chickens are permitted. No roosters. Building Inspector approval of the coop and fenced area is required prior to keeping chickens. Lots must be at least 10,000 square feet in RAA, RA, RB, or G districts. The coop and any run shall be located in side or rear yards and shall not be within 20 feet of any property line.” 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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