Can I keep chickens in Laconia, NH?
Yes, with conditions — Laconia allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 5 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 20 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Chapter 235 Zoning Ordinance § 235-41(O), Ord. 2025-235-12,13,41 (adopted Sept. 4, 2025), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 5 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 20 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 10,890 sq ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Coop and any run in rear yard only; 20 ft setback from any property line; min 3 sq ft coop floor space per chicken if run provided (10 sq ft if no run); min 10 sq ft total ground space per chicken; coop secured during non-daylight hours; no on-site slaughter or commercial activity. |
| Code section | Chapter 235 Zoning Ordinance § 235-41(O), Ord. 2025-235-12,13,41 (adopted Sept. 4, 2025) |
Laconia passed a backyard chicken ordinance on September 4, 2025, allowing up to 5 female chickens on single-family lots of at least one-quarter acre in most residential districts. Roosters are prohibited, chickens must be in the rear yard with coops set back 20 feet from property lines, and on-site slaughter is banned. No permit or license is required; enforcement is complaint-based.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Laconia?
Yes, with conditions — Laconia allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Chapter 235 Zoning Ordinance § 235-41(O), Ord. 2025-235-12,13,41 (adopted Sept. 4, 2025)).
How many chickens can I keep in Laconia?
Up to 5 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Laconia?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Laconia.
Are roosters allowed in Laconia?
No — roosters are prohibited in Laconia.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Laconia?
20 feet minimum. Coop and any run in rear yard only; 20 ft setback from any property line; min 3 sq ft coop floor space per chicken if run provided (10 sq ft if no run); min 10 sq ft total ground space per chicken; coop secured during non-daylight hours; no on-site slaughter or commercial activity.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Laconia?
Yes — 10,890 sq ft.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Laconia?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Laconia's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Laconia?
Chapter 235 Zoning Ordinance § 235-41(O), Ord. 2025-235-12,13,41 (adopted Sept. 4, 2025). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Chapter 235 Zoning Ordinance § 235-41(O), Ord. 2025-235-12,13,41 (adopted Sept. 4, 2025) — read the official code
“A minimum lot size of at least one-quarter (1/4) acre is required for this use. Up to five adult chickens may be kept on a lot. The keeping of six or more chickens on a lot shall be considered an agricultural use. Only female chickens are allowed to be kept under this provision. Male chickens are prohibited. ...coop and any run must be located in the rear yard and cannot be located within 20 feet of a 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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