Can I keep chickens in Portsmouth, NH?
Yes, with conditions — Portsmouth allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. (Zoning Ordinance Table of Uses, Row 17.20 (Keeping of farm animals), adopted April 6, 2026, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop rules | Available only in R (Rural Residential) and SRA (Single-Family Residential A) districts by Special Exception from the Zoning Board of Adjustment. All other zoning districts expressly prohibit farm animals. |
| Code section | Zoning Ordinance Table of Uses, Row 17.20 (Keeping of farm animals), adopted April 6, 2026 |
Portsmouth allows farm animals including chickens only by Special Exception from the Zoning Board of Adjustment, and only in the R and SRA zoning districts. All other zones expressly prohibit farm animals. No specific hen count or setback standards are codified — the ZBA sets conditions case by case.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Portsmouth?
Yes, with conditions — Portsmouth allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Zoning Ordinance Table of Uses, Row 17.20 (Keeping of farm animals), adopted April 6, 2026).
How many chickens can I keep in Portsmouth?
It depends on your lot. Special Exception from ZBA required; available only in R and SRA districts; specific hen count and conditions set case-by-case by the Zoning Board of Adjustment.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Portsmouth?
Yes — Portsmouth requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
What law covers backyard chickens in Portsmouth?
Zoning Ordinance Table of Uses, Row 17.20 (Keeping of farm animals), adopted April 6, 2026. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Zoning Ordinance Table of Uses, Row 17.20 (Keeping of farm animals), adopted April 6, 2026 — read the official code
“Table of Uses Row 17.20 Keeping of farm animals: S (Special Exception) in R and SRA districts; N (Prohibited) in all other districts including SRB, GRA, GRB, GRC, GA/MH, MRO, CD series, MRB, CD5, GB, G1, G2, OR, I, and WI.” 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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