Can I keep chickens in Salem, NH?
Yes, with conditions — Salem allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 6 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 25 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Chapter 490 (Zoning), § 490-713 (Noncommercial Keeping of Chickens), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 25 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 43,560 sq ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Predator-proof enclosed coop required; coop and manure storage must be at least 25 ft from any property line; structures over 200 sq ft require a building permit; no outdoor slaughter; accessory to single-family residence only. |
| Code section | Chapter 490 (Zoning), § 490-713 (Noncommercial Keeping of Chickens) |
Salem allows up to 6 hens (no roosters) on lots of at least one full acre in the Rural District only. Coops and manure storage must be at least 25 feet from any property line, and outdoor slaughter is prohibited. Structures over 200 square feet require a building permit.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Salem?
Yes, with conditions — Salem allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Chapter 490 (Zoning), § 490-713 (Noncommercial Keeping of Chickens)).
How many chickens can I keep in Salem?
Up to 6 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Salem?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Salem.
Are roosters allowed in Salem?
No — roosters are prohibited in Salem.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Salem?
25 feet minimum. Predator-proof enclosed coop required; coop and manure storage must be at least 25 ft from any property line; structures over 200 sq ft require a building permit; no outdoor slaughter; accessory to single-family residence only.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Salem?
Yes — 43,560 sq ft.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Salem?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Salem's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Salem?
Chapter 490 (Zoning), § 490-713 (Noncommercial Keeping of Chickens). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Chapter 490 (Zoning), § 490-713 (Noncommercial Keeping of Chickens) — read the official code
“the noncommercial raising and keeping of chickens shall be permitted on all lots of at least one acre in size in the Rural District under the following conditions: (1) Number. No more than six hens shall be allowed for each lot. (2) Setbacks. Coops or cages housing chickens and manure storage areas shall be kept at least 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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