Can I keep chickens in Rochester, NH?
Yes, with conditions — Rochester allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 9 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 20 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Chapter 275 (Zoning), Article 23, § 275-23.2A(3)(f) (Chickens, fowl and other small livestock), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 9 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 20 ft |
| Coop rules | All housing and feeding areas must be at least 20 ft from any abutting property lines. No business or commercial use. Manure handling must not create a nuisance. |
| Code section | Chapter 275 (Zoning), Article 23, § 275-23.2A(3)(f) (Chickens, fowl and other small livestock) |
Rochester allows keeping fewer than 10 chickens (up to 9) as an accessory residential use. Roosters are prohibited in Residential-1 and Residential-2 districts, and all housing and feeding structures must be at least 20 feet from abutting property lines. No commercial use is permitted.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Rochester?
Yes, with conditions — Rochester allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Chapter 275 (Zoning), Article 23, § 275-23.2A(3)(f) (Chickens, fowl and other small livestock)).
How many chickens can I keep in Rochester?
Up to 9 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Rochester?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Rochester.
Are roosters allowed in Rochester?
No — roosters are prohibited in Rochester.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Rochester?
20 feet minimum. All housing and feeding areas must be at least 20 ft from any abutting property lines. No business or commercial use. Manure handling must not create a nuisance.
What law covers backyard chickens in Rochester?
Chapter 275 (Zoning), Article 23, § 275-23.2A(3)(f) (Chickens, fowl and other small livestock). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Chapter 275 (Zoning), Article 23, § 275-23.2A(3)(f) (Chickens, fowl and other small livestock) — read the official code
“Keeping fewer than 10 chickens, ducks, rabbits, bee hives, or other small animals defined as livestock is an accessory use to a residence subject to the following standards: The activity is not carried out as a business; No roosters are allowed and the number of chickens is limited to fewer than 10 in the Residential-1 and -2 Districts; No area or structure for the housing, storage of manure/animal waste, or feeding of animals shall be located within 20 feet of any abutting property lines.” 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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