Can I keep chickens in Londonderry, NH?
Yes, with conditions — Londonderry allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 12 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 25 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Zoning Ordinance § 4.2.1.4 (Poultry in AR-I District), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 12 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 25 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 21,780 sq ft |
| Coop rules | All poultry must be properly enclosed at all times; enclosures must be roofed; min 3 sq ft sheltered coop space per bird plus 10 sq ft enclosed outdoor run per bird; 25 ft setback from any property line. Not permitted on lots under 0.5 acre. |
| Code section | Zoning Ordinance § 4.2.1.4 (Poultry in AR-I District) |
Londonderry allows poultry in the AR-I (Agricultural-Residential) district on lots of at least half an acre, with the number scaled by lot size: up to 6 non-turkey poultry on lots of 0.5-1 acre, and up to 12 on lots of 1-2 acres. On lots over 2 acres, agricultural quantities apply. Roosters are prohibited on lots under 2 acres and enclosures must be 25 feet from property lines.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Londonderry?
Yes, with conditions — Londonderry allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Zoning Ordinance § 4.2.1.4 (Poultry in AR-I District)).
How many chickens can I keep in Londonderry?
Up to 12 hens. Tiered by lot size: 6 up to 43,560 sq ft; 12 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 Londonderry?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Londonderry.
Are roosters allowed in Londonderry?
No — roosters are prohibited in Londonderry.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Londonderry?
25 feet minimum. All poultry must be properly enclosed at all times; enclosures must be roofed; min 3 sq ft sheltered coop space per bird plus 10 sq ft enclosed outdoor run per bird; 25 ft setback from any property line. Not permitted on lots under 0.5 acre.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Londonderry?
Yes — 21,780 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in Londonderry?
Zoning Ordinance § 4.2.1.4 (Poultry in AR-I District). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Zoning Ordinance § 4.2.1.4 (Poultry in AR-I District) — read the official code
“§ 4.2.1.4: On lots of 0.5 to 1 acre, up to 6 non-turkey poultry are permitted with no roosters, geese, or guinea fowl. On lots of 1 to 2 acres, up to 12 non-turkey poultry and up to 6 turkeys are permitted. On lots of 2 or more acres, agricultural livestock and poultry are permitted subject to standard agricultural setbacks. Enclosures must be 25 feet from 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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