Can I keep chickens in Merrimack, NH?
Yes — Merrimack allows backyard chickens, up to 9 hens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 20 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Chapter 117 (Fowl/Chickens/Roosters), adopted December 2025, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 9 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 20 ft |
| Coop rules | Coop and run in side or rear yard only; 20 ft setback from any abutting property line. Roosters allowed only on lots 1.5 acres or larger. Not permitted in cluster developments or I-1, I-2, I-3, or commercial zones. |
| Code section | Chapter 117 (Fowl/Chickens/Roosters), adopted December 2025 |
Merrimack allows fewer than 10 chickens (up to 9) in R-1 through R-4 residential zones on any lot size, with coops in the side or rear yard and a 20-foot setback from abutting property lines. Roosters are prohibited on lots under 1.5 acres. The ordinance was adopted in December 2025.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Merrimack?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Merrimack (Chapter 117 (Fowl/Chickens/Roosters), adopted December 2025).
How many chickens can I keep in Merrimack?
Up to 9 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Merrimack?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Merrimack.
Are roosters allowed in Merrimack?
No — roosters are prohibited in Merrimack.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Merrimack?
20 feet minimum. Coop and run in side or rear yard only; 20 ft setback from any abutting property line. Roosters allowed only on lots 1.5 acres or larger. Not permitted in cluster developments or I-1, I-2, I-3, or commercial zones.
What law covers backyard chickens in Merrimack?
Chapter 117 (Fowl/Chickens/Roosters), adopted December 2025. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Chapter 117 (Fowl/Chickens/Roosters), adopted December 2025 — read the official code
“Fewer than 10 chickens may be kept on a residential lot in R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4 districts. Roosters are prohibited on lots containing less than 1.5 acres. Coops and runs must be located in the side or rear yard and set back a minimum of 20 feet from any abutting 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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